Finding the Thalweg: How Neurodivergence Can Guide Us to a Sustainable Future

by Nina Munteanu

August 1, 2026 - 12

---------------

The Sustainability Thread is a thematic series of articles, curated by Canadian SF author Nina Munteanu and sponsored by Reality Skimming Press. Pieces in the series appear twice a month Query Nina Munteanu about appearing on the thread at nina.sfgirl@gmail.com

---------------

My upcoming book with Inanna Publications in 2027 is called Thalweg. Thalweg is a limnological

term taken from German that means literally valley (thal) way (weg). In his textbook Limnology,

Robert Wetzel defines thalweg as the line that connects the lowest points (elevation) of

successive cross-sections along the course of a valley or river, which corresponds to the deepest

part of that watercourse. The thalweg marks the natural direction (the profile) of a

watercourse. But here’s the neat part: that deepest part isn’t always at the centre of the river;

it meanders from side to side of the channel, oscillating its path, shape and migration according

to the resistance of materials, volume of water flow and curvature of the topography and

channel.

Photograph of Boys Playing in a River. (Image credit: Munteanu, 2026)

So, when you come across a turbid river, you can’t easily predict where it’s deepest. All possible

natural variables must be considered. For water, the straight line isn’t always sustainable.

What does the thalweg of a river have to do with neurodivergence and a sustainable future?

Let’s start with autistic author N.E. McMorran.

Book Cover of Moojag and the Sloth Gaurdians By N.E. McMorran

In a recent article on Climate Fiction Writers League, McMorran discusses how their

neurodivergent Solarpunk trilogy evolved. The manuscript that “began as an environmentally

charged fantasy … quickly transformed into a neurodivergent Solarpunk ‘dystopia-versus-

utopia’ [that became the cli-fi trilogy Moojag].” McMorran contends that the themes

introduced in Moojag are ones “often sidelined in our fast-paced, convenience-driven culture.”

We are taught, says McMorran, that fast is efficient—yet this approach has led to fast fashion,

fast food, and the fast depletion of resources. “In Moojag, sharing, acceptance, and inclusion

are the true currencies.

”McMorran shares that, “being autistic has allowed me—and requires me—to move at a different pace.” McMorran argues that slowness represents a divergent way of problem-

solving. “We cannot solve the climate crisis with the same linear thinking that created it; we

require the ability to see connections and solve problems with fresh, empathetic eyes.”

Slowness and creativity become the key survival strategy in her story Sloth Guardians.

The concept of ‘neurodiversity’ describes the natural variation of how brains work and

recognizes that people think, learn, and process information in different ways (both

neurotypical and neurodivergent). The term neurodivergence describes mental or neurological

function that is not neurotypical; While some neurodivergent individuals may face challenges in

communication, information processing and social integration, they or others may exhibit

remarkable creativity and intelligence. Nothing exists in isolation. According to Thrive Mind,

“Neurodivergent individuals may be particularly well-suited for creative problem-solving in

addressing complex issues like climate change impacts, having a tendency towards divergent

thinking, which involves generating multiple ideas and solutions to a problem.” Given the

interconnected multi-layered complexity of our changing environment, a neurodivergent mind

may best recognize key relational systems by more easily adopting an ecocentric lens that

broadens how we see ourselves in relationship with the planet.

According to Abayomi Olusunle with The World Economic Forum, neurodivergence and

sustainability intersect in two primary ways: the systemic need to adapt sustainability initiatives

to include neurodivergent individuals, and the unique cognitive strengths—like hyperfocus,

pattern recognition, creative problem-solving, and systemic thinking—that neurodivergent

people bring to climate action and problem-solving.

“Sustainability is often framed as a series of subtractions: less travel, less meat, less heat,” says

McMorran. “But through a neurodivergent lens, I see it as a series of additions: more

community, more understanding, and a commitment to sharing. My experience within the

supportive neurodivergent community has taught me the necessity of a ‘village’—a safe space

without judgement, where you are free to be yourself.” Identity, McMorran contends, is not

tied to what you own; rather it is how you nurture and celebrate your unique strengths and

your contribution to the collective.

In a 2025 article in the journal Exploration of Neuroprotective Therapy Lur Carreras draws on

cognitive ecology and sensory neuroscience to propose that “neurodivergence can be

understood as an adaptive response to environments that exceed nervous-system thresholds.”

Carreras argues that the interpretation of neurodivergence as an ecological signal rather than a

pathology reframes autistic embodiment as intelligent responses to environmental mismatch;

not as internal dysfunction but as meaningful information about the livability of contemporary

environments. Carreras concludes that neurodivergent individuals can provide important

feedback on the incompatibility between environments and neurosensory diversity, opening

“new possibilities for public health, educational and urban design, accessibility policies, and

collective well-being.”

“The easy, straight path from A to B is often unavailable to neurodivergent people,” says author

Solitaire Townsend, a sustainability expert and TED speaker. “The winding off-road path is often

the only option for dyslexics—and down it, there are discoveries and creative solutions you

otherwise wouldn’t stumble across. So, imagine the most straightforward path isn’t open to

you. Where can you go instead?” It is precisely this divergence in thinking and solving that can

provide innovative and traditionally unanticipated solutions to problems plaguing our

conventional ways of thinking.

Says McMorran, “To survive the coming century, we need the slow, the creative, the focused,

and the kind. We need the neurodivergent spirit leading the way.”

To discover our thalweg, we must consider all possible natural variables. For humanity, the

straight line isn’t always sustainable.

References:

• Carreras, Lur. 2025. “Neurodivergence as environmental adaptation.” Exploration of Neuroprotective Therapy 5: 1004130.

• McMorran, N.E. 2026. “Neurodivergence as a Blueprint for a Solarpunk Future.” Climate Fiction Writers League Newsletter, June 2, 2026.

• Munteanu, Nina. 2027 (upcoming). “Thalweg.” Inanna Publications, Toronto, ON.

• Olusunie, Abayomi. 2024. “How neurodiversity can shape sustainable urban planning—and benefit us all.” World Economic Forum. April 10, 2024.

• Thrive Mind. 2026. “The Untapped Value of Neurodiversity in a Climate Crisis.” Thrive Mind. March 15, 2026.

• Townsend, Solitaire. Year. In: “The power of neurodiversity in tackling climate change.” Eve Redhead, Communications Coordinator, the University of Edinburgh blog.

• Wetzel, Robert. 2001. “Limnology: Lake and River Ecosystems.” Elsevier Science & Technology. 1024pp.

---------------

Nina Munteanu is an Canadian ecologist, author, editor and writing coach, notably but not exclusively in the realm of Speculative Fiction (SF/F). In addition to nine published novels, Munteanu has written short stories, articles and non-fiction books, which have been translated into several languages throughout the world. Munteanu is a member of SF Canada.

• Nina Munteanu on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninamunteanu/

• Nina Munteanu Writing Coach. https://ninamunteanu.me/

• Nina Munteanu (Wikipedia). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nina_Munteanu

---------------

Image Credits

• Munteanu, N. , August 1, 2026 Boys Playing in a river.