Current Issue - Volume 19 Issue 3 (June 2026)

In this article, Arvind Kumar examines the rising temperatures driven by accelerated climate change, noting that recent years are the hottest on record and heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense. He explains the role of high-pressure systems, urban heat island effects, and emissions from cooling in amplifying heat stress in cities. The article outlines impacts on agriculture, energy demand, health, and ecosystems, while advocating nature-based and technological solutions, improved urban planning, and early warning systems to build heat resilience and mitigate risks. Stressing urgency and coordinated measures.

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The article by Gajanan Khergamker examines the debate around the Great Nicobar development project, suggesting that much of the public reaction has been short-lived and surface-level. While acknowledging legitimate concerns about environmental impact and tribal rights, it stresses the need for consistent, long-term attention rather than episodic outrage. The piece highlights the importance of balancing development with ecological protection and social responsibility, arguing that meaningful progress depends on careful oversight, scientific evaluation and transparent decision-making rather than momentary public attention.

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In this article, Anagha Krishnan and Girija K Bharat highlight the deep link between plastics and climate change, driven by their fossil-fuel origins and emission-intensive lifecycle. Focusing on India, the article underscores how mismanaged plastic waste contributes to global pollution and GHG emissions. It also draws attention to toxic chemical additives and their environmental and health impacts. While alternatives like bioplastics offer limited relief, the authors stress the need for reduction, reuse, and circularity. Strong policies, including EPR, along with citizen participation and integrated waste management, are crucial to addressing this interconnected crisis.

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Mitrakida, founded by entomologist Dr Rahul Marathe in 2016, promotes a paradigm shift in pest control by treating insects as ecological allies rather than adversaries. Rooted in Integrated Pest Management, the organization uses biological solutions such as predator insects, parasitoids, and microbes to regulate populations without chemicals. Its tailored interventions support farmers, gardeners, and institutions while preserving biodiversity. Mitrakida has successfully reduced bird strikes at airports by decomposing waste that attracts scavengers, developed bio-toilets for sub-zero regions like Leh, and revived mango orchards in the Konkan by restoring pollinators. Alongside practical innovations, it also fosters ecological awareness through education, advocating respect for insects as vital contributors to a balanced and sustainable environment. Read this article by Dr Rina Mukherji read more

In this article, Dr Raghab Ray, Fellow & Area Convenor, The Coastal Ecology & Marine Resources Centre, Goa, TERI, explores the emerging science of methane dynamics within the caulosphere (i.e., tree stem surface), highlighting how trees can function both as sources and sinks of methane in the global carbon cycle. Drawing on recent research, he explains the role of microbial processes, stem emissions, and oxidation pathways, while also addressing measurement challenges and gaps in current climate models. The discussion underscores the need for deeper investigation, particularly in diverse ecosystems like India, to better integrate ‘treethane' into climate science and policy frameworks. read more

What began for him as a search for health gradually evolved into a different way of seeing the world—not through theory or ideology, but through a quiet shift in what he began to notice. This essay is simply an attempt to describe that shift—and where it might lead, as Ram Ramprasad reflects.  read more

In this first-person account, Dr Marianne Furtado de Nazareth describes her visit to Atalaya Castle in Huntington Beach State Park, South Carolina, during a family trip. Drawn by her interest in history and sustainability, she reflects on the castle's striking terracotta architecture and its unique blend of Spanish and Moorish styles. Exploring the expansive structure, she highlights its thoughtful design, central courtyard lined with Sabal Palmetto palms, and features adapted to the region's climate. She also recounts the legacy of Archer and Anna Huntington, whose vision combined art, ecology, and social responsibility. The visit is enriched by the park's natural beauty, wildlife, and historical significance, making it both an educational and immersive experience.

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