Mongabay series: Environment And Health
A clean environment, and actions to protect the integrity of ecosystems matter to human health and well-being. Every time we mess around with the environment, we feel it. These negative impacts on human health are brought on by a suite of changes such as land-use change, unjust energy transitions, climate change and biodiversity loss that interfere with the benefits of natural ecosystems that make life possible for people (ecosystem services). For example, polluted air, a river in peril, local food systems in decline, rapacious mining and rampant deforestation, harm human health. Climate change through extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and heatwaves, worsens the impacts. The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the urgency to protect, conserve and restore wildlife habitats and disappearing ecosystems. In Environment and Health, we probe these linkages and go beyond examining the impacts of the environment on human health to understand how we can shore up our actions to shape a healthier India and a resilient ecosystem.
Climate action, pollution control needed to keep sulphur dioxide in check
Unpacking the presence of microplastics in the Bay of Bengal
Dumped plastic containers lead to mosquito abundance on the Lakshadweep islands
Converging heat action plans, climate goals and environmental health for healthier communities
Industrial water pollution threatens residents in Haryana’s Kundli area
[Photos] Maharashtra’s female farm workforce struggles in the shadows of floods
Sewing their way to a sustainable menstruation
Continued fluoride contamination of groundwater is a glaring public health issue in central India
In a Himachal village, people accuse a waste management plant for contaminating water
[Commentary] Worsening water quality in Ganga’s lower stretches and what it means for us
Human disturbance alters parasite communities, increases infectious disease: study
Lower species richness in deforested landscapes tied to high Kyasanur forest disease risk: study
Soils from city parks are important hotspots of microbial diversity: study
India’s dietary guidelines have a relatively lower carbon footprint: study
[Commentary] Will the COVID-19 second wave buck the trend for the Indian middle class?
How did a once water-rich village in Goa become entirely dependent on tankers?
Avian flu in India brings forth environmental, animal and human health linkages
[Explainer] Understanding the science behind avian influenza
Lack of alternatives force women back to work in stone mines, which are health hazards
Special series
Wetland Champions
- [Commentary] India establishes the largest network of Ramsar Sites in South Asia
- [Commentary] Wetland champions: Promise from the grassroots
- The story of Jakkur lake sets an example for inclusive rejuvenation projects
- Welcome to Tsomgo lake: Please don’t litter
Environment And Health
- Marine plastic pollution is not just a waste problem; reducing production is needed too
- Stitching sustainability amidst climate change challenges
- Gujarat bans exotic Conocarpus tree amid health and environment hazard
- Malaria-carrying mosquitoes shift homes from forests to rice fields
India's Iconic Landscapes
- Majuli’s shrinking wetlands and their fight for survival
- Saving India’s wild ‘unicorns’
- Indrella ampulla’s genetic tapestry unveils colour morphs isolated across the Palghat Gap
- [Commentary] Up close and personal with the fragility of the Himalayas
Beyond Protected Areas
- Climate litigation has entered the room. But could great Indian bustards be inched out?
- The dietary habits of endangered vultures
- Waterbirds adapt to nest and roost in the urban oases of Udaipur
- Understanding the elevational movements of Himalayan birds to improve conservation efforts
Conserving Agro-biodiversity
- Pricey guests: Urban invasive species cost the world billions every year
- [Commentary] GROW with agroforestry, a step towards sustainable land management
- Millet tradition loses flavour among Madhya Pradesh’s tribals
- A village nurtures traditional food systems in response to climate change
Just Transitions
- How unplanned coal mine closures in India are affecting dependent communities, especially women
- Green Credit Scheme’s ‘methodology’ doesn’t inspire confidence among experts
- Conflict over critical mineral prospecting in Odisha signals need for better community involvement
- Fuel leak in Manipur raises concerns over water contamination