Ecobari

Upscaling Ecosystem Restoration through Collective Action

Delhi Homes Record Poor Indoor Air Quality Low Willingness for Demanding Clean Air

In this article, Ashirbad Snehdip Raha tells us about a new research paper that measured indoor air quality in thousands of Delhi homes (across socioeconomic groups) between 2018 and 2020 and found very high levels of indoor air pollution and yet low demand for clear air or adoption of defensive behaviors. The study also observed that indoor PM 2.5 levels were consistently higher than those reported on the nearest outdoor government monitors. Surprisingly, PM 2.5 levels even inside more affluent homes were only 10 per cent lower than those found in poorer homes.

An Inspiration for All Delhi Teens Change Pollution Discourse in the Capital

As the National Capital Region continues to gasp for fresh air, two Delhi teens— 17-year-old Vihaan Agarwal and his 14-year-old brother Nav’s efforts have changed the discourse of pollution in the country. From the government to the Municipal Corporation and the court, they have become active on this issue and are trying to make Delhi breathable.

Assam Disposes of Rhino Horns: On World Rhino Day

Nava Thakuria informs us that recently the world witnessed a unique event in Assam, where the authority set 2479 rhino horns on fire as a mission to spread the message that the horns don’t have any aphrodisiac value, because of which the gigantic animals are hunted in Asia and Africa.

Found! Let Us Welcome Some New Species

For some years now, we have been bringing you information on species that are critically endangered. Of course, we need to stand forewarned to try and save them, but the end of the year is also time to celebrate the good! Benita Sen celebrates species we just stumbled on to across India.

COP26 Why It Matters to Me

In this article, Jency Samuel says that climate change mitigation measures may be the responsibility of nations’ leaders at COP26. But we need to acknowledge that every action of ours contributes to climate change. While we can’t go back in time, each of us can watch our consumption pattern of food, products and resources to bring about a cumulative impact.

The Mounting Challenge of the Mountains: World Mountain Day

Local communities and the wildlife, whose sustenance depends on the mountains, are constantly under threat because of deteriorating conditions. The mountain ecosystem, thus, needs constant attention and restoration in order for many species to survive and the mountainous communities to thrive, thereby sounding the alarm bell. In this article, Namrata Gulati Sapra examines why the mountains and their ecosystem are in dire straits and what can be done about it on World Mountain Day.

Plastic Pollution in Oceans and Land

“We must look to land-based sources of plastic to the environment to make a meaningful impact on global plastic pollution.”

Silk Industry in India

The Story Behind the Sheen of the Indian Queen of Textiles

Skilling The Youth Ecosystem - Can It Be an Antidote to Society's Overstretched Job Scenario?

International Youth Day is celebrated annually on August 12 to bring youth issues to the focus of the international community and to celebrate the potential of youth as active partners in the global society. In this article, Dr Livleen K Kahlon expounds on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and feels that we need to act now to catch the ‘potential workforce’ at an early age and equip them with soft skills and technical expertise so that once they step out of their formal education stage they are able to earn their living. Avenues are to be created to match the skills of every youth and some of these areas are being addressed by the NEP.

Floods In India - Causes And Challenges

Flood is a very common phenomenon in India during the monsoon season. In this article, Dr Sughosh Madhav tries to find out the different reasons that cause floods and has made an attempt to link this phenomenon with the changing climate.

Trailing the Grey Ghost - in the Eastern Himalaya

Rohan Pandit shares his vivid experiences during his survey of snow leopards in Arunachal Pradesh. The surveys were designed to rely on the immense body of traditional ecological knowledge of the local communities.

“We Have a Great Responsibility Towards Our Planet”

Prachur Shah is Deputy CEO, Cairn Oil & Gas, Vedanta Ltd. Here, he is in an exclusive email conversation with Abhas Mukherjee for TerraGreen.

How COVID-19 Affected My Senior School Year - From the Diary of a Youngster

Through this article, Arvind Arnav reminiscences how he felt on cloud nine after completing his grade Xth examination in March 2020. However, to his bewilderment and lakhs of other students, lockdowns had to be imposed in India and all over the world due to the threat of spreading of highly contagious COVID-19. Life has not been the same since then as the schools have not re-opened since that time and social distancing became a necessity, travel was restricted, and schooling became online. Arnav also feels that the continuing experience of living in COVID-19 times is direct evidence of how disturbing our natural environment and ecosystems can lead to an unstable environment and grave consequences for the mankind.

Driving Global Demand for Indian Cotton Farmer

With Adaptation of Scientific Agriculture Practices

Marina - Adversely Impacts the Environment Around It

In the light of multiple coastal infrastructure projects coming up across the country, such as marinas in the planning stage, this story by Rashi Goel aims to focus on the impact of such anthropogenic modifications to waterways, on the existing quality of seas, biodiversity, quality of water, quality of air, and the environment as a whole.

The EcoMap

Creating Awareness on Environmental Issues

Trailing the Grey Ghost in the Eastern Himalaya

Rohan Pandit shares his vivid experiences during his survey of snow leopards in Arunachal Pradesh. The surveys were designed to rely on the immense body of traditional ecological knowledge of the local communities.

Your Home's Indoor Air Quality - Ways To Improve It For Better Health

The air in your home could be at times much dirtier than the air outside, and it can make you sick. Here’s what makes it so dirty and how to improve your indoor air quality, elaborates Lorena Romo. She presents it from the perspective of the environment in the USA and we in India could also learn from her experience.

Hope On Climate Change - Reasons to Be Optimistic

The total commitments made under the Paris Agreement were too little to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius, whereas scientists agree that limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is vital. Ajay Shankar says that recent developments give cause for optimism for the first time as the President of the USA has brought the USA back into the Paris Agreement and is providing leadership for a net carbon-neutral global economy. Also, India could set an example in the deployment of renewable energy installations as it is already leading the way with the dramatic increase in renewable energy generation in the last decade. Keep reading to know more about the latest developments…

Hyderabad Metro Follows Delhi Instance - Opts for Solar

Even as the number of railway stations using solar power is on the rise in India, metro trains are following their example as well—after Delhi metro, the Hyderabad metro will utilize solar, thereby reducing emissions and paving the way for cleaner air.

Returning Glass Bottles - For a Sustainable Future

Today, glass is one of the primary domestic and business waste streams in the country. For the same, Carlsberg India has initiated conversation on the grave danger glass poses to the environment. By returning a glass bottle, one can do their bit in reducing carbon footprint, saving energy and even creating job opportunities. Returning a glass bottle is different than reusing one, as reusing does not solve the purpose. Returning a glass bottle after consumption ensures proper handling and reduces single-use glass substance.

New NASA Earth System Observatory to Help Address Climate Change

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will design a new set of Earth-focused missions to provide key information to guide efforts related to climate change, disaster mitigation, fighting forest fires, and improving real-time agricultural processes.

Who Killed Assam's 18 Asiatic Elephants?

Thunderbolt or Man–Animal Conflict? Can a herd of wild Asiatic elephants be killed by a thunderbolt? What would be its impact on the soil and trees if such a massive lightning strike at all hit the planet? Why the surrounding villages could not experience the sound of thunder along with bright rays of light? In this article, Nava Thakuria tries to find answers to these questions.

Restore Land; Sustain Lives; Promote Equality

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. In this article, Biba Jasmine helps deconstruct various ways in which the rate of land degradation and desertification can be seized. Given an understanding, desertification has an impact on the land area causing poverty rise, food insecurity, and high mortality rates, among other hardships, further leading to impoverishment, migration, and conflict. It is imperative to gauge ways in which land degradation and desertification have implications on ecosystem functioning and livelihoods. Let us come together this World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought and identify need for the concurrent attainment of social equity, environmental health, and economic wealth through addressing the challenge of land desertification, and degradation.

“CDRI Promotes Resilient Infrastructure to Withstand Climate and Disaster Risks”

Sandeep Poundrik is the Director-General, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). Here, he is in an exclusive email conversation with Abhas Mukherjee for TerraGreen.

Inviting Birds of All Feathers

What We Must Do for the Birds. Urbanization poses a major threat to bird diversity. Preeti Mehra tells us about a study backed by Azim Premji University that suggests ways to help combat it.

Sultanpur National Park

A Paradise for Birds and Birdwatchers. In this series of articles, Amarjeetsingh Bishnoi and Shakti Bishnoi share their wonderful experiences with their family in the lap of nature in Sultanpur National Park in Haryana. Last month, you read that they went to visit the sanctuary from their home in Delhi during the winter season. Now, read more about their vivid experiences there from winter to summer season…

Electronic Pollution - An Environmental Monster

Air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution—these forms of pollution have been widely written about and spoken on. Ironically, not many know about electronic pollution, that poses a major challenge to the environment. What makes it even more detrimental for the environment is that it significantly contributes to all the other forms of pollution. Namrata Gulati Sapra talks about the monster called electronic pollution, which has been digging its toxic claws throughout Planet Earth and feeding off its energy more rapidly than the mind can imagine…

‘Heat Hampers Productivity at Work'

While weather conditions are known to impact productivity, a recent study has revealed that it gets harder for people to work when it gets hot, and this may lead to a reduction in national output in warmer years. Dr Anant Sudarshan, South Asia Director of the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), co-authored this study with E Somanathan of the Indian Statistical Institute, Delhi; Rohini Somanathan of Delhi School of Economics; and Meenu Tewari of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.