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.
Dirty air from Indo-Gangetic plains, central India messing up neighbourhood ozone
While trying to save water, legislations unexpectedly lead to increasing air pollution, says study
How going organic brought hope to MP’s cotton farmers and the wildlife around them
Pollution control in coal-based thermal power plants will cost money, but benefits will outweigh
Air pollution could negate Swachh Bharat benefits for children
Machine learning flags four bat species in India capable of hosting the deadly Nipah virus
How global geologic processes lace your glass of water with arsenic
Despite health and environmental benefits, why do people hesitate to use improved cookstoves?
To find out monkey fever’s next destination, scientists follow the ticks that carry it
Prolonged use of mosquito coils may make you ill: study
Poor urban neighbourhoods more vulnerable to extended effects of heat
Mental well-being takes a hit post cyclone Fani
Air pollutants turn into nanodiamonds
Crackdown on dirty household fuels can save lives
Poor air quality over northern India from dust storms in May 2018
[Video] From UP to Delhi, polluted Hindon river is affecting the health of many
Battling antibiotic resistance on Madhya Pradesh’s agenda
India’s thrust on coal continues while studies highlight impact on health
Lightning kills more people than other weather extremes
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
- 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
- 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
- Nilgiri pipit seeks better status as habitat shrinks
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