Down To Earth Magazine - April 01, 2025

In this issue

DEADLY DUST - Why millions of workers in India face risk of silicosis

Promising start

Sexed semen technology can revolutionise India's dairy sector. But its impact on biodiversity must not be ignored

6 mins

In search of new homes

As Asiatic lions outgrow their last refuge in Gujarat’s Gir forests, they are crossing the state borders and even venturing into unlikely coastal areas to establish new territories

4 mins

'Integrate health, physiology to assess heat impacts'

When we think of extreme heat, the discussion often focusses only on the mortality it causes. However, it affects individuals differently. JOY MERWIN MONTEIRO, assistant professor at the Department of Earth and Climate Science at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, is studying how a combination of environmental and individual factors determine the risk of heat-related health impacts. In an interview with HIMANSHU NITNAWARE, Monteiro discusses the concept of heat strain—the physiological burden extreme heat places on the body—and why understanding it is crucial to safeguard the population. Excerpts:

3 mins

DUST TO DUST

Millions of Indians work in dusty mines, factories and construction sites, facing a deadly yet underreported lung disease called silicosis. National-level data on the illness caused by dust inhalation is virtually absent.

10+ mins

TIRELESS CHRONICLERS

Every decade since 1974, scholars, activists, students and journalists have embarked on a unique 45-day journey on foot through the hinterlands of western Himalayas to revive and restore the lost ties RAJU SAJWAN

7 mins

US tariffs on drugs and the end of WTO

Trump's plan to levy duties on pharma violates WTO rules, but there is no recourse as the trade regulator is dysfunctional

4 mins

MAGNETIC FLIP-FLOP

Earth's magnetic field, our shield against cosmic radiations, has a history of reversals and anomalies. From setting up observatories and satellites to analysing ship logs and archeological surveys, scientists are piecing together its past to uncover clues about future shifts. Yet, many mysteries remain

5 mins

TAMING THE TEAK

Tissue-cultured teak has potential to boost India's timber cultivation and trade, but requires identifying best farm practices

3 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.