EcoVisionary

India’s coastline stretches over 7,500 kilometers , encompassing diverse ecosystems, mangroves, estuaries, coral reefs, wetlands, and beaches, that provide livelihood, protection, and biodiversity. The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification was first introduced in 1991 under the Environment Protection Act, 1986 , with the goal of safeguarding coastal ecosystems from unregulated development. However, over the decades, rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and tourism pressure have led to repeated amendments, each attempting to balance conservation with economic needs. According to the 2011 CRZ notification, all forms of construction and development were restricted within 500 meters from the High Tide Line (HTL) along India’s coastline to protect fragile coastal ecosystems. This law, issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, aimed to regulate activities such as construction, industrial operations, and pollution in coastal zones. It was not intended to stop developmen...

At first glance, the very top of the ocean, where air kisses water, might seem like an empty boundary. But this shimmering surface hides a bustling, dynamic world known as the neuston . It’s a delicate yet diverse ecosystem made up of organisms that live on , in , and just beneath the ocean’s surface film. From microscopic bacteria and viruses to wind-sailing jelly relatives, sea-skating insects, violet snails, and drifting seaweed, the neuston forms a vibrant biological highway connecting coasts, gyres, and even the deep ocean below. Far from being a biological footnote, this “ skin of the sea ” plays a vital role in shaping climate-relevant chemistry, feeding turtles, seabirds, and fishes, and influencing conversations around plastics, cleanup technologies, and marine conservation. The Neuston, the Diverse Organisms Living at the Ocean's Surface What exactly is the neuston? Biologists classify neustonic life based on its position at the air–sea interface: Epineuston :   Or...

Environmental psychology, the scientific study of human interactions with built and natural environments, did not emerge in a vacuum. It was seeded by pioneers who insisted that psychology must not only study internal mental processes but also the complex, probabilistic relations between people and their environments. Among the most influential of these figures is Egon Brunswik (1903–1955) . Brunswik’s theories,  probabilistic functionalism, ecological validity, representative design, and the lens model   established many of the epistemological and methodological foundations upon which environmental psychology builds today. His work stands as a bridge between the philosophical rigor of the Vienna Circle, the empirical traditions of psychology, and the ecological realism demanded by environmental sciences. Biography and Intellectual Context Egon Brunswik was born in 1903 in Budapest , then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. His intellectual curiosity spanned mathematics, p...

In today’s world, sustainability isn’t just an option; it’s a responsibility. Offices across the globe, from bustling Indian cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai to European hubs in Stockholm and Paris, as well as US corporate centers and Middle Eastern business districts, are reevaluating their operations to minimize their environmental impact. Creating an eco-friendly office benefits not only the planet but also improves employee well-being, reduces operational costs, and enhances corporate reputation. Here’s a detailed guide with actionable strategies for organizations worldwide. 1. Prioritize Energy Efficiency Opt for Laptops Computers and monitors account for 40–60% of office energy use, second only to lighting. Laptops, on average, consume up to 80% less electricity than desktops. For instance, a laptop may use 15–60 kWh per year, compared to a desktop’s 60–250 kWh. Beyond energy savings, laptops support a mobile workforce - a trend that is increasingly common in India, Europe, and t...