TerraGreen (a monthly magazine on environmental issues)

Magazines Details

TerraGreen is TERI's flagship magazine that deals with issues related to sustainable development, environment, and energy. In a world standing on the brink of a major ecological disaster, TG hopes to be the ray of light that lights up the road ahead.

The last one year has taught us the perils of abusing ecology. Although more research needs to be done on the exact cause of the current pandemic, the COVID-19 outbreak points towards the potential of the animal–human interface to act as the primary source of emerging zoonotic diseases. In the ongoing second phase of vaccination drive in the country, people aged above 60 years and those above 45 years of age with co-morbidities are being vaccinated. While we have developed vaccines against coronavirus but the emergence of new variants or strains of the virus could be a cause of further concern. We should all continue with our efforts to prevent the spread.

This month’s cover story ‘Restore Our Earth’ points out that the COVID-19 pandemic is, in fact, a red flag pointing to an imbalance in our natural systems. It is a sign of a planet in dissonance. So, restoring what is lost to bring back a sense of equilibrium seems to be the only way forward. This is probably the reason why the theme for Earth Day 2021 is ‘Restore Our Earth’. The need for education, especially environmental literacy, cannot be stressed enough. Significantly, environmental and climate literacy is the foundation for an equitable and sustainable society. It is for this reason that the Earth Day Network (EDN) has pledged to educate 100 lakh youngsters by 2026 through diverse programmes involving NGOs, governments, teachers, and students.

According to the findings of the 2020 World Air Quality Report released by IQAir, India is the third-most polluted country in the world. Delhi is the most polluted capital city in the world. Twenty-two of the world’s 30 most polluted cities are in India. Thirty-seven of the forty most polluted cities in the world are in South Asia. Regrettably, a mere 1.6 per cent of the cities in South Asia met the WHO PM_2.5 target in 2020. In this month’s cartoon strip, we have discussed about pollutants such as particulate matter (PM) and ultrafine particles (UFPs) that enter our bodies and affect our health round the year.

The Special Report discusses the water crisis in Chennai city in 2019 that saw dry reservoirs, declining groundwater levels, and empty taps. The authors are optimistic that the same will not be the template for 2021 as Chennai’s reservoirs, waterbodies, rainwater harvesting zones, stormwater drains, and groundwater structures are better managed today. The different state agencies have prolifically worked together to improve the city’s water situation. Chennai’s water resources, watersheds and manmade hydrological structures have been efficiently managed to promote water sustainability. 

With these articles and many other stories of current interest, we hope that you enjoy reading this issue of TerraGreen. We do look forward to receiving your feedback and letters. Stay safe and healthy all of you.

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