Mosquitoes are a growing public health threat, reversing years of progress

Don't miss this compelling global health series by The New York Times: The fight against mosquitos has never been more urgent as climate change and the rapid evolution of the insect have thwarted efforts to combat devastating diseases like malaria and dengue. Scientists are innovating, reports Stephanie Nolen, pursuing new strategies to protect public health.

Nolen traveled to five countries in Africa and Latin America to cover multiple aspects of this growing global challenge:

Mosquitoes are a growing public health threat, reversing years of progress

Climate change and the rapid evolution of the insect have helped drive up malaria deaths and brought dengue and other mosquito-borne viruses to places that never had to worry about them.

An invasive mosquito threatens catastrophe in Africa

A malaria-carrying species that thrives in urban areas and resists all insecticides is causing outbreaks in places that have rarely faced the disease.

The gamble: Can genetically-modified mosquitos end disease?

Working on a remote island, scientists think they can use genetic engineering to block a malaria-carrying species of mosquito from spreading the disease — and do it in just a few months. But governments are wary.

One village, two houses and a new tactic to win the war on mosquitos

A different way of thinking about mosquito-borne diseases could save billions of dollars and end them for good, some health experts believe.

Unleashing a new weapon on the mosquito: a mosquito

What if, instead of killing the mosquitoes, you could disarm them? Even if you couldn’t keep them from biting people, what if you could block them from passing on disease? What if you could use one infectious microbe to stop another?

Insecticides can't stop the mosquitos. Now what?

Old weapons like bed nets and insecticides don't work well anymore: Mosquitos have evolved to resist and evade them. The world needs to ways to fight mosquitos.

Two hands clasping with money in their hands

Philippines climate protests spotlight whether money is reaching the most vulnerable

As world leaders meet for COP30 in Brazil, protests in the Philippines highlight how corruption and mismanagement can undermine efforts to fund climate resilience.

A view of the city of Belem in Brazil with huts by the ocean and skyscrapers in teh background

Newsom presents California as reliable partner at U.N. climate talks

Gov. Gavin Newsom is leading a California delegation to the U.N. climate conference in Brazil, positioning the state as a global climate leader despite lacking federal authority to negotiate international agreements.

Forest of Fontainbleau in France with green trees and ferns

France's Fontainebleau forest serves as ‘laboratory' for climate change adaptation

France’s historic Fontainebleau forest is confronting the realities of heatwaves, drought, and dying trees, while offering lessons in how woodlands can adapt to a warming planet.

A view of wind turbines situated along the ocean

China’s emissions level off as renewables surge, signaling possible peak

A new analysis finds China’s carbon emissions have been flat or falling for 18 months, driven by record solar and wind expansion and the rise of electric vehicles.

A beach with an oil refinery in the background

LA’s clean air future is being built by Black women

In Los Angeles, Black women organizers are driving a community-led push to shut down toxic oil wells that have long endangered their neighborhoods.

Refugees wading through floodwaters
Credit: Photo by Iqro Rinaldi on Unsplash

‘It will never be forgiven’: UN climate chief warns world to act or face disaster

Faltering governments will be blamed for famine and conflict abroad, and face stagnation and inflation at home, says climate chief at start of Cop30.

Flags of various nations fly on building

As U.S. and E.U. retreat on climate, China takes the leadership role

As U.N. talks get underway, China is emerging as a key leader in international climate efforts. It is empowering the global energy transition, and along with India and Brazil, is becoming the driving force in climate diplomacy and filling a vacuum left by the world’s rich nations. 
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Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

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Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

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