In this issue

THREATS WE WEAVE: A majority of the world’s clothes use plastic fibres like polyester. Yet plastic pollution norms do not apply on the textile sector

Lead Toxicity - Element Of Mystery

Half the children in India are poisoned by lead. Why has the country failed to prevent it despite knowing the sources and treatment?

9 mins

Fighting chance

The new framework on biodiversity provides the opportunity for a fresh start, but countries must ensure implementation

6 mins

Plastic Pollution - Discord From The Beginning

Industry hijacks the first round of negotiations on proposed global plastic treaty as countries talk in differing voices

3 mins

FAKE FABRIC

The moment you consider polyester just a fabric, it escapes attention as a pollutant. The fact is that polyester is a form of plastic and the second biggest by-product of petrochemicals. Yet only a few countries have regulations to manage the plastic fibre. Time India framed laws to regulate the textile industry and brought it under the extended producer responsibility regime

10+ mins

DEEP INVASION

Invasive ornamental shrub lantana is altering traits, fast spreading across India's forests

4 mins

Planting monopolies in farm sector

The EU free trade deal may force India to jettison farmers’ traditional rights in favour of breeders’ interests

4 mins

Battle half won

Lula's return as president speaks of his appeal with Brazil's poorest people. But this time the country is bitterly divided and short on cash

4 mins

Killed in cold blood

Surveys quantify the impact of crop intensification on frogs and reptiles; say loss of species and farm productivity inevitable

3 mins

'This rocket launch will inspire youngsters to join the space sector'

On November 18, 2022, Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace Pvt Ltd scripted history by becoming the first private Indian organisation to launch a rocket from Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO's) launchpad in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The launch of the rocket, named Vikram-S after Indian space scientist Vikram Sarabhai, was successful. In a conversation with ROHINI KRISHNAMURTHY, Skyroot Aerospace co-founder PAWAN KUMAR CHANDANA talks about the company's plans to establish itself as satellite launcher catering to the international market and the long-term goal of developing resuable rockets to ensure sustainabililty. Excerpts:

3 mins

Barely a contrast

WALKING FROM DANDI: IN SEARCH OF VIKAS IS YET ANOTHER HAGIOGRAPHY OF M K GANDHI THAT UNCRITICALLY ROMANTICISES AND MYTHOLOGISES THE HISTORICAL FIGURE

4 mins

Read all stories from Down To Earth

Down To Earth Magazine Description:

Down To Earth is a fortnightly magazine published by the Society for Environmental Comm, a non-profit research and advocacy organization based in New Delhi, India. It is one of the most respected environmental magazines in the country.

The magazine covers a wide range of topics related to the environment and sustainable development, including:

* Climate change: DTE provides in-depth coverage of climate change, including its causes, impacts, and mitigation and adaptation strategies.
* Energy: DTE covers a variety of energy topics, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, and fossil fuels.
* Water: DTE covers a variety of water topics, including water pollution, water scarcity, and water management.
* Pollution: DTE covers a variety of pollution topics, including air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution.
* Biodiversity: DTE covers a variety of biodiversity topics, including forests, wildlife, and conservation.
* Sustainable development: DTE covers a variety of sustainable development topics, including green economy, sustainable agriculture, and sustainable transportation.

Down To Earth magazine is known for its high-quality journalism and its commitment to environmental protection. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the environment and sustainable development in India and around the world.