Our relation to nature has changed over time. Sometimes nature poses a threat. Sometimes people see nature as something to preserve. And sometimes nature is both: threat and treasure. 

This interview with university professor Eva Horn traces the routs of our contemporary understanding of nature and the specific problems that climate change and other effects of the Anthropocene are causing for our senses: too big or too small to hear, see, feel. With the help of digital tools, we might be able to leave behind this “clash of scales” and find a way to get in touch again with our surroundings. 

Eva Horn is professor of German Studies at the University of Vienna. She is also the founder of the Vienna Anthropocene Network. Her Routledge introduction to the Anthropocene served as basis of discussion in the IVAC seminar.

Credits

Music by Sol Rezza.

Tracks: Rooms in your mind, Schnee in Halle (from the EP, “Halle Klang Karte”)

Learn more at solrezza.net.

Theme music: Nadsat Banda

Please see their Spotify page.