Feature Article

Biological invasions cause ecological and economic impacts across the globe. However, it is unclear whether there are strong patterns in terms of their major effects, how the vulnerability of different ecosystems varies

The Andhra Pradesh government lied to obtain forest clearance for the Polavaram dam on the Godavari; it said there were no forest rights claimants in the dam’s submergence zone. Down To Earth visited the villages denied forest rights and found the state had indeed lied.

Forest conservation effort in Meghalaya can claim carbon benefits. India’s first pilot project to be recognized under the UN’s mechanism for reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD) could be in the East Khasi Hills in Meghalaya.

The Himalayas are warming at a rate higher than the global average. A recent study documents how this has affected cropping patterns and vegetation in the past 10 years. The questionnaire -based study examined changes people observed between the altitudes of 600 metres and 2,200 metres in the Himalayas. For full text: http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/climate-notes

Darjeeling tea makes its mark world over, but back home it brews suspicion between planters and workers finds Down To Earth.