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.

A family having a picnic in a greenfield

The psychological distance between us and climate disaster

An analysis of dozens of previously published studies reveals people systematically underestimate their own vulnerability to climate threats.
Petrochemical plant in twilight
Credit: Aunging/BigStock Photo ID: 198653959

Civil rights case probes racism behind Cancer Alley pollution

Federal lawsuit claiming local officials illegally pushed polluting industries into Black communities reaches new stage.
Small Black child sitting his fathers lap covering his eyes

Insurance has become the real disaster for Black families

From Altadena to Alabama, Black families learn the real catastrophe starts after the disaster, when insurers decide who is worth saving.
Petrochemical or refinery facility venting methane at night enveloped in toxic smoke

Why the Clean Air Act was never a ‘good fit’ for climate

The lawyers who successfully won the law’s climate authority once thought of it as a placeholder for stronger legislation.
An explosion with red fire and grey smoke

Iran shocks could spur a shift to clean energy — but also to coal

Environmentalists say the war’s effects on oil and gas prices are an argument for countries to get off fossil fuels. But the reality is likely to be messier.
Solar panels juxtaposed against transmission lines and wind turbines
Credit: kckate16/ BigStock Photo ID: 478351339

Iran war: How green energy shields countries from oil shocks

The Iran war has disrupted oil and gas trade. As countries like the US double down on fossil fuels, experts say the conflict shows how speeding up homegrown renewables is the only way to avoid future energy crises.
Spanish wind turbines operated by Acciona Energía, on the harbour wall at Bilbao.

Spain’s wind-farm bargain

Renewable-energy projects can boost the economy of a rural town—if the community has a say in development.
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Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

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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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