Ghosh: World 'accelerating towards the abyss'

Indian author Amitav Ghosh observes a perilous global trajectory, criticizing humanity's relentless pursuit of extractivism and the pervasive use of "greenwashing rhetoric" by politicians. He believes the world is "accelerating towards the abyss," a sentiment amplified by the perceived collective irrationality in the face of ecological unravelling. Ghosh's latest novel, "Ghost-Eye," explores these themes through a mystery narrative, symbolizing the capacity to perceive hidden realities.

Ghosh, known for his nuanced historical and migration narratives, actively resists succumbing to despair, highlighting the importance of finding "little joys" amidst global crises. His motivation for writing extends to future generations, particularly his nine-month-old grandson. He is participating in Norway's Future Library project, contributing a manuscript to be preserved until 2114.

This literary time capsule joins works by other renowned authors, serving as a testament to the profound anxieties of the current era. Ghosh acknowledges the immense challenge of writing for a future radically different from the present, anticipating that societal structures may not endure. He views his contribution as an honest communication to posterity, addressing what future generations will ask about our actions during the world's environmental crisis.