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.
Decoding the mystery illness that struck Eluru
People living near mining activities at increased risk of diseases, says study
[Commentary] A microbial spray could be the game changer against crop residue burning
Green is the new gold this festive season
India’s 40-year old law to combat air pollution languishes as the crisis intensifies
Rajasthan’s phosphate mines deprive villagers of land, livelihood, health
After early success, Kerala stumbles in containing the COVID-19 pandemic
Even with coal, strict air pollution control can prevent early deaths
Smoke from stubble burning in Punjab may aggravate COVID-19 symptoms
Illegal mica mining continues unabated in Jharkhand, causing deaths and diseases
Kolar Gold fields: From fields of gold to a dust bowl
New research improves understanding on dengue, but vaccine search continues
Some hope for Rajasthan’s silicosis victims but many challenges
Household air pollution: Empowering women could boost LPG adoption
[Photos] Suffering in the town powering India’s nuclear dreams
Clean air, sanitation can save newborn lives
Mumbai’s COVID waste peaks, second waste treatment plant not in sight
[Commentary] Wrong values, not technical lapses to blame for industrial mishaps
With boiler blast, the Neyveli power station becomes a fiery grave
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
- 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
- [Commentary] Neglecting household biomedical waste management can lead to adverse environmental effects
India's Iconic Landscapes
- 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
- Studies reveal impact of land use on species diversity in rock outcrops
Beyond Protected Areas
- Rehabilitating trafficked star tortoises using genetic intelligence
- [Interview] Richie Mehta on addressing the elephant in the room in ‘Poacher’
- Scientists leap beyond Latin to give local flair to species names
- Deaths in human-animal conflict in Wayanad spark protests and debates
Conserving Agro-biodiversity
- [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
- Rising air pollution impacts India’s crop yields and food security
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