The Thar Desert is Greener than Ever - But at What Cost?

Описание: The Thar Desert — one of the most arid landscapes on Earth — is changing in ways no one expected. Over the past two decades, this vast expanse in northwestern India has witnessed something extraordinary: a 38 percent annual rise in vegetation, turning parts of this dry region surprisingly green. It has been known for drought and heat all this while, but between 2001 and 2023, Thar witnessed a stunning 64 percent increase in rainfall. That’s an increase of about 4.4 millimetres every year.

Down to Earth is Science and Environment fortnightly published by the Society for Environmental Communication, New Delhi. We publish news and analysis on issues that deal with sustainable development, which we scan through the eyes of science and environment.