CHINA

House sparrows want old homes

Biometric identification attracts major opposition

Demand grows for scrapping the biometric identification system  

Scientists shocked to discover new species of green anaconda, the world’s biggest snake

New species known as northern green anaconda

Humanity must prevent the insect apocalypse

Most insects are not harmful but beneficial to humans; without them, nature will lose its balance

The Trump administration's new migratory bird policy undermines a century of conservation

The Trump administration announced a position on protecting migratory birds that is a drastic pullback from policies in …

New Delhi is running out of water

Access to clean and regular water remains a challenge for New Delhi, a city that could easily tackle its water crisis with greater effort

Wake-up call: Animals at risk

Climate change is altering the hibernation periods of animals, disturbing their breeding patterns and metabolism

The greening of the urban landscape

GREEN ARCHITECTURE Brenda and Robert Vale Publisher: Thames and Hudson, UK Price: L18.95

NGOs launch new war -- against deforestation

Non-governmental organisations in Ethiopia are working to create awareness among rural communities to protect the country's forest cover

Ecological solutions for cities

ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN THIRD WORLD CITIES Jorge E Hardoy, Diana Mitlin and David Satterthwaite Publisher: Earthscan Publications Ltd Price: L11.95

Digging their own grave

Extracting minerals and ornamental stone in the Aravallis - despit its environmental costs - is such a flourishing economic activity that …

Bickering scuttles power-saving project

Two non-resident Indians blame inter-organisational rivalry for the rejection of their proposal to use compact fluorescent lamps, which will …

Simple systems available to treat sewage

Planners should be made aware of easy techniques that can recycle waste water using little electricity.

Science through fun and games

To put together an exhibition on the environment for children was an excellent idea. Now, the ministry of environment and forests should consider …

The saga of the big brother in a little village

FROM POVERTY TO PLENTY: THE STORY OF RALEGAN SIDDHI Ganesh and Vasudha Pangare Publisher: INTACH, New Delhi Price: Rs 85

Insuring against gene erosion

Experiments by the Academy for Development of Science in Karjat have led researchers to conclude that gene banks are best created and controlled …

Every cow-pat counts

Even the lowly cow-pat has ownership rules in rural India. But rights over dung, an important source of energy and soil fertilisation, vary from …

Villagers one up on government in greening project

The balding hills of Jadhera panchayat in Himachal Pradesh are regaining their vegetation, thanks to an unusual village chief

Efficient use of a scarce resource

Many organisations promote the use of fuel-efficient stoves for cooking, which is the biggest consumer of energy in India.

Sea strikes

Continuous pounding of the coasts of Victoria island in Nigeria by the Atlantic ocean threatens its safety

The revolutionary who transformed health care

ZAFRULLAH Chowdhury draws inspiration as much from Hippocrates as from Mao Zedong. To the first, he owes his medical ideals and to the second, …

Development handcuffed

Confidential audit exposes financial, planning lapses in Andhra’s urban renewal mission

New rules for coasts

Environment ministry notifies CRZ 2011. It has pro-builder bias, say fishers and activists

Nobody's waste

Kerala's capital wants a solid waste treatment plant in a nearby village. This has created a rural-urban conflict