The chronicler reaffirms

Since 1992, we have published 792 issues of Down To Earth, without fail, each fortnight. We have brought to you, our readers, on-the-ground reports from the stench of polluted landscapes to the inspiration of action. Every time we put together the plan for the magazine—what we call the issue plan—it reflects our commitment to you. Our goal is to bring you the latest developments: we are, first and foremost, a news magazine, and we must reflect the world around us as it moves through the many axes of politics and development. We then delve deeper to explore the multiple dimensions of each story—because we know that our readers are discerning; if our reports are superficial or if we get the facts wrong, we will hear from you. You are our most important critics, and you hold us to strict standards. For that, we thank you. Your feedback pushes us to do more and better—even in a world where the only certainty is uncertainty.

So, dear readers of Down To Earth, we are together as the world spins into a vortex of uncharted territory. We are together as the impacts of climate change grow, hit the poor the hardest and do not spare the rich as well; climate change is a great equaliser. We are also together as we witness the reversal of climate actions in the already industrialised countries, which they must take to pull the world back from the precipice of global warming. This already-rich world, which has set the rules of global trade, has appropriated the carbon budget for development and has dominated geopolitics, is now complaining that climate measures are not affordable and so not agreeable to the public in their countries. This is further combined with the fear of the outsider, as countries turn against immigrants even though many of them need to build up their workforce.

Then there is the other side of migration: why do people leave their homes? It is complex, but it is clear that climate change is contributing to the slow onset of life-shattering events that push people to take such desperate steps. We never lose sight of this in our reporting or writing.

We are also together as we enter a new era shaped by Artificial Intelligence (AI)—two words that signal a world of change. We know we stand at that cusp of a profound transformation; it could mean machines becoming so intelligent that they replace humans, or it could mean humans enhancing their intelligence to drive machines to do more. It could mean a loss of jobs; but it could also open the door to new skills.

The question is: what will countries do as we navigate these different conflicts—the wars we are fighting (and losing) with nature; the conflicts within and between countries, and with corporations that are growing more powerful (and less accountable) than governments. What will be the “nature” of this democracy as countries become more insecure and more inward-looking?

This is why we need to stay together—to keep track of these developments; not to take sides, but to affirm that we cannot remain bystanders as the world hurtles downwards, into darkness. We are not so helpless. We must understand what needs to be done, and for that, we need a mirror held up to our world—one that shows us what is going wrong.

We must incorporate politics in our everyday world—not party politics, but societal values that cherish inclusion and justice. After reporting on this for 33 years, we can say this is now part of our DNA. We know that sustainability is impossible without affordable growth. This knowledge has been reinforced through the writings on our times—this is not theory but practice of development. I have always argued that we are in a giant laboratory where every action offers a lesson, which gives us the hope to continue.

So, as I write to thank you for your continued support to us; for your belief in us, let me also say that we will do everything we can to uphold your trust, no matter what the world throws our way. This is our solemn, and absolute, promise.