‘My Wild City’ reminds us why cities need nature

In her forthcoming book, My Wild City: Finding Nature, Meaning, and Hope in India’s Capital, conservation scientist Neha Sinha invites readers to explore the often-overlooked ecosystems within India’s most populous city. While the book effectively highlights the city’s biodiversity, Sinha’s most compelling aspect is her ability to connect with readers emotionally through personal anecdotes.

During a recent interview on the Mongabay Newscast, Sinha shared the importance of urban nature beyond its ecological significance. She recounted a pivotal moment in her life when caring for her ailing father led her to discover a semal tree (Bombax ceiba) in the midst of a challenging hospital visit. Sinha explains that during such physically and mentally taxing times, nature offers a sense of strength and resilience.

"In these kind of difficult situations which are physically and mentally challenging … you look at a tree, and it restores you. It kind of makes you feel that you might have strength that you didn’t know about. And it’s also unique to see a tree in a very urban environment because the tree itself is a survivor," she notes.

Throughout the book, Sinha primarily focuses on the profound impact nature had during the early 2020s COVID-19 lockdowns. She describes how people found solace and connection with others, themselves, and the natural world through urban green spaces. "It gave rise to a movement called balcony birding [during] a horrible time in terms of uncertainty, in terms of we didn’t know what’s gonna happen," Sinha reflects.