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 wooden hut located on a hill with small children playing in the dirt in front of it

Climate-resilient housing models slow to gain ground in disaster-prone Bangladesh

In one of the world’s most climate sensitive deltas, disasters are on the rise. The need for resilient housing has become a significant concern for Bangladesh.

An illustration of a solar panel standing over a wheat field

The battle over solar on farmland

Agrivoltaics is either a green revolution or a poison pill for good land. Depends which farmers you ask.
An illustration of donald trump looking at the viewer

4 ways Trump is sabotaging climate action around the world

In just one year, Trump has derailed an international carbon tax, boosted fossil fuel forecasts, and sought to silence an island nation.
Homes in a dry landscape with wildfire smoke billowing in the background

Even low-risk homes are caught up in California’s climate insurance crisis

California’s insurer of last resort is meant for high fire risk properties but homeowners in areas unlikely to burn are now being forced into the plan.

Oil and gas flaring in a desert landscape with black smoke billowing into the sky

Iran war should trigger faster exit from fossil fuel dependence, UN climate chief says

The war in Iran has exposed the dangers of relying on volatile oil and gas markets, United Nation climate secretary Simon Stiell says.

Clock approaching midnight superimposed over a world map
Credit: chughes/ BigStock Photo ID: 20162111

'Doomsday Clock' advances to 85 seconds to midnight

A science-oriented advocacy group moved its “Doomsday Clock” to 85 seconds to midnight, saying the Earth is closer than ever to destruction.
Symbol of law and justice, law and justice concept, scales of justice.
Credit: vladek/BigStock Photo ID: 46192432

The latest front in the battle over climate lawsuits: bills wiping out liability

Republican lawmakers are advancing legislation that would shield major polluters from legal accountability for climate change harms.
From our Newsroom
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

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

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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