The Himalayas are in 'danger': Why we must act now before mountain tourism destroys our lifeline.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar called for urgent protection of the Himalayan ecosystem following devastating floods in Nepal on August 26. He said, “We must protect our Himalayas.” The region faces frequent landslides and glacier hazards. His mission now works with many NGOs on afforestation to preserve these fragile mountain landscapes.

There may be a case to rebalance climate spending but the energy transition must go on

A United Nations report said world glaciers lost 1400 billion tonnes of mass in three years till the end of 2025. Developing nations now need $1.3 trillion annually for green energy. Experts Gill and Lomborg said, “Poor people are more vulnerable to everything—disease, hunger, broken infrastructure, economic shocks.”

Seattle finally 'heals' the Duwamish: After destroying 97% of its habitat, can we bring the river back to life?

Seattle straightened and filled the Lower Duwamish until 97% of its original habitat was gone. A $23 million pollution settlement has now removed contaminated soil and rebuilt 2.8 acres where fish are. Crews removed old structures and debris to create new marshland, helping young salmon find shelter in the river.

Huge El Niño projected to cause 450,000 deaths in next six months

A new report predicts 450,000 people could die from heat caused by a super El Niño in the next six months. Prof Michael Greenstone said, "Increasing emergency response and better targeting our efforts can save many lives this year." The heat will hit countries like India, Nigeria, and the US.

Country diary: An autumn bounty of fruits is well on its way

A walk up the River Teifi reveals trees that are beginning to fade into new season colour, and the low blur of a weasel. The autumn bounty of fruits is well advanced along the marsh. As the tide fell, birds explored the mud, while the valley prepared for winter.

Lake Powell hits record low: Why America's second-largest reservoir is running dangerously short of water

Lake Powell hit its lowest point since the 1960s, reaching 3,517 feet on September 10, 2026. Relentless drought and low snowpacks in the Rockies caused this crisis. Water flowing into the reservoir reached only 29% of its usual average. Nearby Lake Mead also hit a record low in August 2026, worrying millions.

Delhi residents flag gaps in waste management amid new rules, user fee levy

Delhi residents expressed concerns over poor waste collection as the MCD plans a new user fee. Residents said they would pay if services improved, but questioned the current system. "People will agree to pay but who will ensure that Delhi is kept clean?" asked BS Vohra of the RWA.

Saving the Tapanuli orangutan: Indonesia starts a 'desperate' race to heal their broken home.

Indonesia began restoring 159 hectares damaged by floods and landslides to rebuild habitat around the last remaining Tapanuli orangutan ecosystem. The project in Aek Haminjon Village aims to bring back vegetation after severe weather in late 2025. Many groups now work with local residents to protect this rare species.

They were 'nearly gone,' but Phillip Island’s little penguins are thriving after a bold plan to save them.

In 2004, Phillip Island launched a campaign to eliminate foxes after nine of its 10 little-penguin colonies had vanished. Alongside habitat restoration, the surviving colony grew from 12,000 to 40,000 birds. This success showed how sustained cooperation between scientists, governments, and local communities helped save the penguins from total extinction.

EAM Jaishankar calls for Global South cooperation amid conflicts, trade pressures and climate challenges

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called for Global South cooperation on Tuesday to address rising geopolitical tensions and climate shocks. He said, "We must forge closer economic, technological & environmental cooperation." Jaishankar also met Italy’s Antonio Tajani in New York to discuss the Ukraine conflict and strengthen their strategic partnership.

New York air pollution fell over two decades, while toddlers' mental development scores rose 26%, study finds

New York air pollution fell over two decades, while toddlers' mental development scores rose 26%, a study found. Researchers tracked over 1,000 mother-child pairs from 1998 to 2020. As cleaner air policies took effect, children showed better cognitive results. Professor Frederica Perera said, "In the early years, we reported significant associations."

Weak rains leave a trail of wilted crops, dry plots

Weak rains across India left many farmers with wilted crops and dry plots as the monsoon season ends. Between June 1 and September 21, the country saw a 15% rainfall deficit. Former agriculture secretary Devesh Chaturvedi said, “Overall output will be lower than last year.” Many fields now face drought.