TerraGreen Magazine - March 2024

In this issue

Microplastic pollution in terrestrial environments poses a significant threat to ecosystems and human health. These tiny plastic particles can be found ubiquitously in soils, sediments, and even in the air. Once in the soil, microplastics can disrupt soil structure, affecting water retention and nutrient cycling, thus impairing the growth and health of plants. There are concerns about the potential transfer of microplastics to crops consumed by humans, raising questions about their impact on human health. Anagha Krishnan asserts that microplastic pollution is a significant driver accelerating climate change. This article offers insights into the persistence and toxicity of microplastics in the terrestrial environment.

Surprising Role of Manganese In Soil Carbon Sequestration

A recent study reveals an unexpected link between manganese-a naturally occurring mineral-and increased carbon emissions from high-latitude boreal forests. The study uncovers how manganese increases carbon emissions from boreal forest soil, over time, challenging conventional understanding of the role of manganese in the carbon cycle.

3 mins

India's Quest towards a Green Future With Green Initiatives and Climate Action

The interim budget of India for 2024-25 has placed significant emphasis on the green economy and investments aimed at combating climate change. These announcements are poised to reinforce India's prior endeavours in this direction. In this article, Sameeksha delves into concepts such as the green economy and climate action, highlighting that through its various initiatives, India has made significant progress towards the target of net zero emissions without compromising its economic development in less than a decade. These steps are expected to have a long-lasting impact, and the rapid growth of the country, coupled with green initiatives, will pave the way for a new era of prosperity.

5 mins

Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme

Dr Krishna Kumari, Forestry Faculty, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay College of Horticulture and Forestry, Dr Rajender Prasad Central Agricultural University, Bihar along with Supriya Rai, a third-year student pursuing BSc in Forestry at the same university, engage in a discussion regarding the objectives and benefits of the IFWCS.

3 mins

Seeds of Contamination

Microplastic pollution in terrestrial environments poses a significant threat to ecosystems and human health.

8 mins

Redefining Development in Tune with Nature

A worldwide congress of individuals synonymous with practising ancient traditional values in the eastern part of Assam, in northeast India, has emerged as a major platform for converging diverse cultures, emphasizing the preservation of ancient traditions, ecological sustainability, and collaborative governance. Through this article, Nava Thakuria informs us that the 8th Triennial International Conference and Gathering of World Elders of Ancient Traditions also adopted the 'Dibrugarh Declaration, which unequivocally states that ancient wisdom profoundly views human beings as an integral part of the natural ecosystem, rather than as masters.

5 mins

Decreasing Emissions with Sustainable Practices

In this article, Sanjay Gupta highlights the significant role of the construction sector in global greenhouse gas emissions. The construction industry accounts for 19 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions mainly result from energy consumption, material production, transportation, and the construction process itself. Nevertheless, there is optimism for the future, as technological advancements and increasing environmental awareness are driving the transition towards a more sustainable construction industry. Through the incorporation of innovative solutions, this sector has the potential to exert a strong influence on environmental consciousness. For the journey ahead, industry players should come together and unite in taking a collective responsibility against climate change to shape a world that is environmentally pure for generations to come.

2 mins

Enhancing Green Cover in HP

Not too long ago, a vast stretch of approximately ten acres of forest land in Parohi and Sangirthi of Bandladhar in the Bilaspur zone of Himachal Pradesh remained barren. The terrain was rocky, with minimal soil depth, making the idea of growing trees there seem implausible. However, today, this unproductive land is transforming into a verdant landscape, with 11,000 saplings of various tree species taking root. Sarita Brara informs that this transformation is attributed to the state government's Mukhya Mantri Van Vistaar Yojana (MMVVY), which aims to enhance green cover across thousands of hectares of barren forest land throughout the state. The MMVVY was officially introduced in 2023.

7 mins

Celebrating 'Solar Sisterhood' Power

On International Women's Day (March 8), Ashden highlighted the women who made renewable energy happen especially among the world's poorer communities where energy access posed significant challenges. The theme for this year's International Women's Day was 'Inspire Inclusion.

3 mins

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TerraGreen Magazine Description:

TerraGreen is one of the most respected monthly magazine dedicated to informing and enlightening its readers on issues of environment, energy, and sustainable development. Launched in 2004, TerraGreen has made an indelible impression on the minds of readers, both in India and across the world. Today, it enjoys a readership of over 40,000 and a subscriber base of close to 5,000. Helping the magazine along in its endeavour to take issues of absolute importance to the people is the fact that it is the only publication of its kind in the market; not only does it inform and educate, it does so in a subtle and reader-friendly manner. After all, the aim is to reach as many people as possible!

Table of contents
• News • Comments • Worldview • Features • In Conservation • Red Alert • Cover Story • Special Reports • Perspective • TerraYouth • Wild Wonders • Green Product • Pioneer • Breakthrough • Review
• Environmental Research • Green Events • Wake-up Call