US is becoming a ‘developing country’ on global rankings that measure democracy, inequality
Racism, devotion to ‘American exceptionalism’ behind the decline; US slips to 41st position on UN’s development index
Most pollution-related workplace deaths in countries with highest GDP: Lancet report
India fares better, ranks 40; United Kingdom worst-performing; United States occupies 18th position
That sinking feeling
Just like at Kyoto, the US and EU are ready to make back-room deals that leave out the concerns of the South. Its time for the G77 to speak up
Letter to the Prime Minister, India
India’s position at the forthcoming conference of parties of the Framework Convention on Climate Change
Amazon River Dolphins face extinction risk: Study
Dolphin flesh and blubber is being used as bait to ensnare catfish, endangering the species
COP15 CBD: Disclose biodiversity impact, address harmful subsidies, urges EU
Bulk of financial resources for implementation of targets needs to come domestically, says European Commission
Scientists convert CO2 to solar fuel with artificial photosynthesis
Similar to plants’ photosynthesis, the technology can serve dual purpose of reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide and generating electricity …
‘Climate change can triple flood damage by atmospheric rivers’
Climate scientist Tom Corringham talks to Down To Earth about bomb cyclones, atmospheric rivers and how global warming can …
NASA tests autonomous drill to explore signs of life on Mars
The drill can operate without real-time human input. If it gets stuck, it can also dislodge itself
Before Trump eyed Greenland: Here’s what happened last time US bought a large chunk of Arctic
The US purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867. It is today, one of the richest states with abundance of natural resources, such as petroleum, gold …
Can an inventory help manage e-waste?
Better data on e-waste will help track the amount of e-waste generated, reduce e-waste, promote recycling and prevent illegal dumping and …
Warming Arctic is making winter worse for eastern US; ‘bomb cyclone’ on cards
The US is bracing for an intense storm, which is expected to blast the entire east coast with frigid winds, ice and snow on Thursday
What makes 2017 Atlantic hurricane season unprecedented?
Tropical cyclones like hurricanes and typhoons are changing character due to global warming. Not only are they becoming more frequent, wind …
Trump calls Paris Agreement ‘unfair’, but how fair is his claim?
Trump’s speech on withdrawing from climate deal punctuated by half-truths and exaggerations
Extreme wildfire events will intensify; Australia and US most at risk
Overall increase in extreme wildfires is linked to climate change as global temperatures continue to rise in areas that were already prone to fires
Changes in pattern of water releases from dams can help restore aquatic diversity
A new study shows how dams can be strategically operated to restore lost ecological functions
Zika impact: Demand for abortion up 100% in Brazil
Pregnant women from Zika-affected countries are defying national laws which restrict abortion to request abortion medications online, a new …
Air pollution increases risk of Alzheimer’s in carriers of the gene, says study
The ratio of metabolites responsible for cognitive functions has severely decreased in Alzheimer's gene-carrying children in Mexico City than in …
Getting close and personal
The war on cancer intensifies as scientists try to tailor treatment according to a patient's genetic make-up
Combing operation
Chitosan, a chemical, can help fight persistent urinary tract infections by exposing dormant pathogens to antibiotics
The oil bully
Book>> Private Empire, Exxonmobil And American Power • Steve Coll • Penguin • Rs 1,150
Helping slum-dwellers to help themselves
Involving the community in slum improvement has worked successfully in the Philippines and Mexico. Hidebound bureaucrats in the Third World, who …
The hole truth
NASA discovers the largest ever ozone hole over Antarctica. A wake up call for industrialised countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Fewer days for the slumdog
Book>> Welcome to the Urban Revolution, How Cities are Changing the World by Jeb Brugmann Harper Collins Price Rs 450
Sedimental attraction
A drowning delta can be rescued by changing the nature of its sediments, new theory claims