From The Marginlands

In this episode, Dr. Abi Tamim Vanak discusses the misclassification of vital ecosystems as "wastelands" in India. Championing the importance of recognizing Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs), and the role of pastoralists in managing these landscapes, he emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Through the One Health approach he highlights the need for adaptive governance in policy-making. The conversation also touches on zoonotic diseases and the challenges faced in bridging the gap between scientific research and policy implementation.

Extensive show notes with links here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPddaNZP8So&t=3s 

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In this episode, featuring ecologist Pradip Krishen, Prem and Arati explore the restoration of ecosystems. Pradip shares his journey and insights into the importance of native plants, observation, and community involvement in restoration efforts. The discussion highlights the challenges faced in restoration projects, the impact of government policies, and the need for ecological literacy among the public. The episode emphasizes that restoration goes well beyond a "tree planting project" -- it is a relationship with the land, requiring patience and a deep understanding of local ecologies.

Pradip Krishen Books:

Trees of Delhi: A Field Guide https://www.amazon.in/Trees-Delhi-Fie...
Jungle Trees of Central India: https://www.amazon.in/Jungle-Trees-Ce...

Pradip Krishen movies:

Massey Sahib: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massey_...

In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Whic...

Electric Moon: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electri...

Show Notes:

5:03: A Scroll interview where Pradip talks of his beginnings, and much else: https://scroll.in/article/1077515/pra...

5:03: A Caravan piece on Pradip's journey from films to the forest:

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This episode focuses on the importance of environmental storytelling, emphasizing the need to go beyond surface-level reporting and explore deeper narratives that connect individual experiences to broader community and global contexts. Prem and Arati discuss various aspects of crafting compelling environmental stories, including research methods, data collection, and narrative techniques, while highlighting the significance of incorporating historical perspectives and indigenous knowledge. They also stress the importance of balancing crisis narratives with stories of resilience and community solutions, encouraging listeners to contribute to environmental storytelling by sharing their local experiences.

Show Notes:

2:27: Arati Kumar-Rao's reportage from the Thar desert: https://www.peepli.org/stories/miracle-of-sky-river/ and https://www.peepli.org/project/freshwater/

25:46: Engineering a Season of Floods by Amitangshu Acharya: https://flows.hypotheses.org/4151

36:45: When a River Runs Dry: https://www.peepli.org/stories/when-rivers-run-dry/

37:34: Farakka Barrage and The Nowhere People: https://dialogue.earth/en/climate/photo-essay-the-nowhere-people/

49:35: River At The Heart of the World -- reporting from Arunchal: https://emergencemagazine.org/essay/river-at-the-heart-of-the-world/

52:16: A Flash of Fin, a Glimmer of Hope -- Indus Dolphins in Harike: https://www.peepli.org/stories/indusdolphins/

1:08:27: The DC Comics Guide to Writing Comics: https://www.amazon.in/DC-Comics-Guide-Writing/dp/0823010279/

1:12:21: Hunting With Dolphins: https://orionmagazine.org/article/hunting-with-dolphins/

1:26:39: The Measure of Things: https://www.themeasureofthings.com/

1:31:14: Blind Men and The Desert -- the story of the Indira Gandhi canal in Rajasthan: https://www.peepli.org/stories/blind-men-and-the-desert/

1:32:26: Disha, Calcutta-based organisation: https://dishaearth.org/fishing-communities/

1:45:12: Scroll down for the text from DC Comics Guide to Writing Comics: https://prempanicker.wordpress.com/category/to-read

A short list of books on environmental reporting:

What Is Sustainable Journalism? by Peter Berglez: Explores the intersection of journalism with sustainability issues, emphasizing ethical and practical approaches. 

Cadillac Desert by Marc Reisner: A classic on water policy and environmental history, often cited as essential for aspiring environmental journalists. 

Game Wars by Marc Reisner: Focuses on wildlife enforcement and poaching, providing real-world examples of investigative environmental reporting. 

Best Books Featuring Environmental Reporting

Silent Spring by Rachel Carson: The seminal work on pesticide dangers that sparked the modern environmental movement. 

The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert: Pulitzer Prize-winning reporting on mass extinctions driven by human activity. 

This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate by Naomi Klein: Investigative analysis of climate change and economic systems. 

The Overstory by Richard Powers: A novel blending fiction with real environmental reporting on deforestation and activism 

Finding the Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard: Groundbreaking research on forest ecosystems presented through narrative journalism. 

Marginlands by Arati Kumar-Rao: Explores distressed landscapes across the sub-continent

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In this episode, Prem and Arati discuss our warming oceans with Dr. Roxy Mathew Koll, a climate scientist and winner of the prestigious National Science Award, in 2024. What are the implications of increasingly intense and frequent marine heat waves? Why should we care? Who bears accountability of historical emissions? What does the interconnectedness of oceans and climate mean for tackling this crisis? The conversation emphasizes the need for local adaptation strategies, comprehensive data collection, and the alarming challenges faced in climate science funding. Dr. Koll highlights the urgency of addressing these issues to mitigate the impacts of the rising temperature on ecosystems and human communities.

Show Notes:

6:19: The Delusion of Dykes by Arati Kumar-Rao: https://www.peepli.org/stories/delusion-of-dykes/

11:14: Dr Roxy Mathew Koll biography: https://www.climate.rocksea.org/people/roxy-mathew-koll/

Dr Koll on X: https://x.com/RockSea and on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxy-koll/

20:05: India's updated Nationally Determined Contributions:  https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1847812

22:37: What is carbon capture? https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-64723497

32:38: What is driving hydropower construction in Arunachal Pradesh?: https://dialogue.earth/en/energy/what-is-driving-hydropower-construction-in-arunachal-pradesh/

35:11: India's coal import rises 8% in FY24: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/indias-coal-import-rises-8-to-268-mt-in-fy24/articleshow/110049693.cms

37:08: What are marine heatwaves and why should we care?: https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01806-9.pdf

37:08: A Down To Earth explainer on marine heatwaves: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhjzQ0pmgnE

39:47: Rising sea surface temperatures driving loss of 14% corals since 2009: https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/rising-sea-surface-temperatures-driving-loss-14-percent-corals-2009

40:58: Biology and ecology of coral mucus release: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022098111003510

43:07: What is the Pacific blob: https://www.nps.gov/articles/theblob.htm and impact on US fisheries: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/looking-back-blob-record-warming-drives-unprecedented-ocean-change

45:14: Discussion on the increasing occurrence of cyclones in the Arabian Sea: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dX1-bftB-M

47:03: Trump administration further cuts NOAA funds: https://www.axios.com/2025/07/01/noaa-document-deep-trump-cuts and Trump cuts will have huge impact on global climate finance: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/10/trumps-usaid-cuts-will-have-huge-impact-on-global-climate-finance-data-shows

49:29: FAQs on El Nino and La Nina: https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/el-nino-and-la-nina-frequently-asked-questions

54:55: El Nino may cause major drop in sardine catch: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/el-nino-may-cause-major-drop-in-sardine-catch-say-scientists/article26969279.ece and CMFRI report: https://eprints.cmfri.org.in/13767/

57:10: Dr Koll-led report on reduction of phytoplankton in the Indian Ocean: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287346786_A_reduction_in_marine_primary_productivity_driven_by_rapid_warming_over_the_tropical_Indian_Ocean

Please see the full show notes on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRAzAHauZBE 

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In this episode, Prem Panicker and Arati Kumar-Rao discuss significant updates regarding environmental incidents off the coast of Kerala. The conversation then turns to The State Of India's Environment through Figures, a study released by the Center for Science & Environment (CSE) on June 5, 2025. Prem & arati focus on increasing Air pollution, Forest Diversion, Shrinking Farmlands, and our warming world and its implications.

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Arati Kumar-Rao on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aratikumarrao/ 

Prem Panicker on X (Twitter): https://x.com/prempanicker 
Prem on Substack: https://prempanicker.substack.com/

Our email: [email protected]

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FromTheMarginlands  

In this Episode:
State of India's environment in figures: https://csestore.cse.org.in/default/state-of-india-s-environment-2025-in-figures-ebook.html  

State of India's environment 2025 (Full report): https://csestore.cse.org.in/default/books/state-of-india-s-environment-2025.html 

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On May 23, 2025, the MSC Elsa 3, a 28-year-old container ship, left Vizhinjam Port for Kochi, carrying 640 containers—13 of them packed with hazardous cargo, including calcium carbide, a chemical that can ignite with a spark. Less than 24 hours later, 38 nautical miles off Kerala’s coast, it sent out a distress call after developing a 26-degree list to starboard and flooding in a cargo hold. By dawn on May 25, the ship had sunk 50 meters below the Arabian Sea, taking with it over 450 tonnes of fuel and a trail of debris that’s now choking Kerala’s shores. All 24 crew were saved. But for the fishing communities of Alappuzha, Kollam, Ernakulam, and Thiruvananthapuram, the real disaster is just beginning.

Sunday, June 8 was World Oceans Day -- a sombre occasion for Kerala's coastline and its beleaguered fishing community. Prem and Arati tease apart the issues in this ongoing, unfolding story in a bid to understand what is at stake for Kerala's coast, the fishers, the port and shipping, and the biodiversity. See show notes below for links to specific chapters, and further reading.

Contact us:

Arati Kumar-Rao on Instagram:   / aratikumarr.  .

Prem Panicker on X (Twitter): https://x.com/prempanicker and https://prempanicker.substack.com/

Our email: [email protected]

Podcast Instagram:   / fromthemarginlands 

Sections:

5:06: What Kerala State Disaster Management Agency member secretary Stephen Kuriakose said

6.40: Interview with Sreekala S, chairperson, Kerala State Pollution Control Board
Kerala Pollution Control Board website: https://keralapcbonline.com/pcb/welcome

32:09: Interview with Dr Biju Kumar, Professor and Head of the Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Trivandrum

43:36: In Season Fish:

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In this episode, Arati and Prem dive into the heart of Bangalore’s flood crisis and the intricate dance between humanity and nature. We unpack the city’s recent flooding woes, echoing themes from our previous conversation with S Vishwanath on urban planning and his six pillars of water conservation. Our guest for this episode is Yuvan Aves, a passionate naturalist, writer and activist, who shares his early adventures in the wild, reflects on the nature of co-existence with creatures that can harm us, and on his collaboration with Robert Macfarlane for the latter's book Is A River Alive? We explore the core of environmental activism, grappling with the profound grief of ecological loss and its generational ripples. From vanishing rivers to fading ecosystems, this episode weaves together personal stories, urgent environmental questions, and the hope for coexistence in a rapidly changing world. Show notes below:

Where to find us:

Arati Kumar-Rao on Instagram:   / aratikumarr.  .

Prem Panicker on X (Twitter): https://x.com/prempanicker

Our email: [email protected]

Podcast Instagram:   / fromthemarginlands 

Yuvan on X: https://x.com/yuvan_aves

Yuvan on Instagram:   / a_naturalists_column 

Palluyir Trust: https://palluyirtrust.org/

Intertidal (book): https://www.amazon.in/Intertidal-Coas...

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In this episode, Arati Kumar-Rao and Prem Panicker explore the intricate relationship between visual storytelling and the narratives behind images, particularly in the context of nature and rivers. They discuss the importance of language in nature writing, emphasizing how evocative prose can connect readers to the land. The conversation shifts to the concept of rivers as living entities, touching on the rights of nature and the challenges of environmental activism. Their guest for this episode is the Founder of the Biome Trust, S. Vishwanath, popularly known as Zenrainman. Together, the trio delve into water conservation efforts, highlighting community involvement and the significance of traditional knowledge in modern solutions, the complexities of water management, emphasizing the social, political, and environmental dimensions of water as a resource. They discuss the connectivity of water systems, the role of social equity in water access, and the specific challenges faced by Bangalore in terms of water scarcity. The conversation highlights innovative solutions for sustainable water management, the impact of digital advocacy, and the importance of community engagement in addressing water issues. The speakers also explore the intersection of climate change and water management, proposing a vision for sustainable cities that prioritize social justice and ecological health.

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In this episode, Aarti Kumar Rao and Prem Panicker focus on the ongoing extreme heat waves and their implications. They critique the media's coverage of the issue, highlighting a lack of urgency and depth in reporting. The conversation explores the impact of heat on urban planning, the rural workforce, and public health, emphasizing the need for a more interconnected understanding of environmental challenges. The episode features Pranay Lal, biochemist, nature writer, caricaturist, and environmental chronicler. Together, the trio explores the complex interplay between climate change, urban heat islands, and the emergence of new viral diseases. They discuss historical climate patterns, the impact of human activity on heat dynamics, and the need for better urban planning and disease surveillance.

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In this episode, Arati Kumar-Rao and Prem Panicker navigate the complexities of grief following Arati's recent loss of her mother. They reflect on the profound influence of Arati's mother on her life, particularly in storytelling and communication. The conversation transitions into a discussion on environmental issues, focusing on the detrimental impact of development on Mumbai's mangroves and the broader implications for climate change. They emphasize the importance of understanding local ecosystems and the challenges posed by current environmental policies. The episode concludes with a reflection on the state of India's environment, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and action.

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