In this issue

The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in global lockdowns, sharply restraining economic activity. The pandemic also had significant impact on socio-economic dynamics. Through this article, Dr Saba Noor, Dr Shama Parveen and Prof. Sher Ali wish to sensitize us to fine-tune our civility and act as responsible global citizens avoiding superstition and complacency. We must refrain from unsustainable practices that could
harm the environment further. There should be efforts from our side to extend helping hand to others as much as possible in such pressing times. We must also prepare to face the aftermath of this pandemic to rebuild the society, our nation, and the world.

Towards Green Steel

In this article, Will Hall and Thomas Spencer highlight that at TERI they have developed a robust understanding of the factors that drive the transition towards cleaner technologies through their Energy Transitions Commission India work programme. In January 2020, they published a report presenting an initial overview of the Indian steel sector and the options to mitigate its impact on the environment, through reducing emissions. Here, they discuss the recommendations from this report, which have been organized into three pillars.

4 mins

COVID-19 Lockdown Fifty Per Cent Global Reduction in Human-linked Earth Vibrations

The lack of human activity during lockdown caused human-linked vibrations in the Earth to drop by an average of 50 per cent between March and May 2020. This quiet period, likely caused by the total global effect of social distancing measures, closure of services and industry, and drops in tourism and travel, is the longest and most pronounced quiet period of seismic noise in the recorded history.

3 mins

Predicting the Wave of COVID-19 in Communities Wastewater as an Important Monitoring Tool

The coronavirus is present in the gastrointestinal tract of several patients with COVID-19 and finds its way in the faeces and subsequently in sewage and wastewater. Research indicates that monitoring wastewater is a better strategy for detecting the viral infections in any population. Dr Paromita Chakraborty and Akanksha Manish say that the ongoing pandemic situation can be utilized to test whether wastewater based epidemiology (WBE) can act as an effective technique to observe and manage public health globally. WBE can be an important tool as most infections are thought to be asymptomatic or undiagnosed infections. WBE can provide critical knowledge on identification of hotspots and understanding the dynamics of the infection.

7 mins

Life Through Art and Art Through Life

American mural artist and painter, Kathleen Scarboro, educated in the arts both in the US and France, is the co-founder of the Friends of Community Public Art, Illinois, USA. Her public art includes mural paintings, mosaics and life size sculptures in various cities in the US. In an interview with N Kalyani, for TerraGreen, the artist shares the making of her art and more.

4 mins

Impact Of COVID-19 Pandemic on Environment And Socio-Economic Dynamics

The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in global lockdowns, sharply restraining economic activity. The pandemic also had significant impact on socio-economic dynamics. Through this article, Dr Saba Noor, Dr Shama Parveen and Prof. Sher Ali wish to sensitize us to fine-tune our civility and act as responsible global citizens avoiding superstition and complacency. We must refrain from unsustainable practices that could harm the environment further. There should be efforts from our side to extend helping hand to others as much as possible in such pressing times. We must also prepare to face the aftermath of this pandemic to rebuild the society, our nation, and the world.

9 mins

When Conservation and Art Meet!

With climate change gradually becoming one of the most immediate global issues of concern, the pressing question exists as to how creators from different sectors react to climate change and environmental issues. In this article, Biba Jasmine stresses on how art can facilitate a transition process towards a more sustainable future. And how would the diffusion of experience and South-South cooperation provide added value to the construction of more stable societies.

8 mins

Mumbai Lockdown Pollution Levels Dip, Fauna Gets Space

In this article, Gajanan Khergamker talks about the positive effects of COVID-19 lockdown on Mumbai as pollution levels took a sharp dip and fauna got the much-needed space to thrive.

7 mins

Social Emotional Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This article offers a review of resources that have been put forth globally, with an emphasis on resources and the common threads among them that can inform how we approach education beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, with resources tailored to parents, children, and educators.

6 mins

The Menagerie Around the House

While charisma, interesting behaviour and the challenges of a food chain are obvious in the wild, a lot of drama involving myriad life forms goes on in our immediate surrounds. Jency Samuel says that a little time and careful observation would reveal a fascinating world, a self-contained ecosystem that would entertain and enthral.

5 mins

Feni A Goan Panacea

Feni holds a special place in the Goan culture and society. Families come together and put tremendous effort to produce feni for personal and commercial use. Manu Shrivastava says that the heritage drink that started in Goan homes has come a long way. Feni is gradually gaining popularity among tourists—domestic and international. It is one of the last few enterprises that are still owned and managed by families giving the ‘industry’ a characteristic personal touch.

6 mins

Read all stories from TerraGreen

TerraGreen Magazine Description:

TerraGreen is one of the most respected monthly magazine dedicated to informing and enlightening its readers on issues of environment, energy, and sustainable development. Launched in 2004, TerraGreen has made an indelible impression on the minds of readers, both in India and across the world. Today, it enjoys a readership of over 40,000 and a subscriber base of close to 5,000. Helping the magazine along in its endeavour to take issues of absolute importance to the people is the fact that it is the only publication of its kind in the market; not only does it inform and educate, it does so in a subtle and reader-friendly manner. After all, the aim is to reach as many people as possible!

Table of contents
• News • Comments • Worldview • Features • In Conservation • Red Alert • Cover Story • Special Reports • Perspective • TerraYouth • Wild Wonders • Green Product • Pioneer • Breakthrough • Review
• Environmental Research • Green Events • Wake-up Call