Farmers shrink, labourers swell

Urban India's deprived lot

India is on the verge of a historic change. Known as the country that lives in its villages, it stares at an opposite image. In the near future, more people will be in the country's urban areas than in rural. The urban population growth rate is 1.8 times that of the overall population growth and 2.6 times the rural population growth.

Need vs greed

 

Climate studies, the Indian way

INDIA often finds itself in the midst of debates on climate change. But there is very little country-specific research available to guide climate-related policy. In 2010, researchers and policy advocates on climate change came together to form a network to promote quality climate research in the country. Three institutes, IIT-Delhi, IIT-Madras and Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), established the Indian Climate Research Network (ICRN). The network boasts over 150 members.

UN report warns of effects of urban expansion on biodiversity

A new assessment by the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) warns that if the current trend of global urbanisation continues, it will have significant implications for biodiversity and ecosystems along with knock-on effects on human health and development.

Science and Technology - Briefs

Chemistry From nature’s basket

Science and Technology - Briefs

Zoology Tweets in burbs

Curse of excess

Concrete invasion

Sri Lanka’s largest city was once dotted with freshwater marshes. The picturesque beauty of the wetland areas, say elders, was breathtaking. Not any more. The marshes have been filled to construct buildings. The remaining ones are highly polluted and taken over with invasive plant species.

Farms in cities

India is perhaps among the few developing countries where urban agriculture is not a priority. The FAO’s final report on urban and peri-urban agriculture does not even mention India. Urban planners tend to exclude agriculture from their sights. But in many cities across the world, especially those in Asia and Latin America, agricultural use of land is accepted and formalised.