Amitav Ghosh's new non-fiction book, 'Wild Fictions', presents 26 essays that emphasize the importance of storytelling in revealing truths about humanity, nature, and war.

He expresses concern that the current focus on 'climate fiction' may restrict storytelling, as it often prioritizes scientific findings over indigenous knowledge and narrative depth.

Ghosh highlights the significance of science in his writing, tracing its influence back to his first book, 'The Circle of Reason', and showcasing his research in geology and cetology for 'The Hungry Tide'.

He also points out that scientific advancements frequently overlook indigenous contributions and knowledge, a theme explored in his book 'The Calcutta Chromosome'.

Ghosh identifies a notable shift in literature since the 1990s, linking it to rising greenhouse gas emissions and neoliberal globalization, which has led to a more globalized and identity-focused fiction.

He critiques the concept of multiculturalism in the West, arguing that it often amplifies extreme representatives of communities while sidelining more nuanced voices.

In contrast, Ghosh describes India's multiculturalism as more integrated, where families and communities coexist despite their diversity, unlike the predominantly male and young migrant demographics in the West.

He notes that while both India and the West face migration challenges, India's circulatory migration allows for greater family interaction compared to the isolation often experienced by migrants in the West.

Ghosh discusses the impact of mobile technology on migrant networks and shares a cautious perspective on generative artificial intelligence, advocating for the ethical treatment of writers' intellectual property in AI training.

He critiques contemporary writers for romanticizing nature and climate change, contrasting their approach with that of past Indian authors who had a more organic connection to the natural world.