Public Health
How Anti-Science Attitudes Have Impacted the Coronavirus Pandemic in Brazil
A leading Brazilian scientist discusses the challenges faced by the country, which has the world’s third-highest number of COVID-19 cases
Stories by Barbara Fraser
Public Health
Peru's Gold Rush Prompts Public Health Emergency
The gold-mining boom in southeastern Amazon is driving high levels of mercury contamination
Sustainability
Oil Spill in Amazon Sickens Villagers, Kills Fish
A recent rupture of Peru’s 39-year-old northern crude oil pipeline has terrified Kukama villagers along the Marañón River
Health
Lead Poisoning Comes to the Remote Amazon
Three out of four children in remote communities have blood lead levels higher than those considered excessive in the U.S.
Sustainability
Amazon Struggles to Adapt to Drought
The Peruvian Amazon struggles to adapt to a warmer, drier future
Health
Adobe Homes in Peru's Andes Tell Centuries-Old Toxic Tale
The mud used to make adobe homes soaked up centuries of mercury emissions and scientists are trying to determine if the walls pose a health hazard
Sustainability
Is the Amazon Rain Forest Drying Out?
The trees and vegetation of the Peruvian Amazon are adapting to a warmer, drier future--but can they adapt fast enough?
Sustainability
"Improved" Cookstoves May Do Little to Reduce Harmful Indoor Emissions
Black-carbon emissions from newer stoves, designed to be safer, were higher than those from traditional fire hearths, a new study finds
Sustainability
Rising Ocean Temperatures Prime Amazon Rainforest for Fire
Scientists used to think the Amazon was too wet to burn, but a warming Atlantic Ocean is drawing moisture away from the rainforest
Sustainability
Massive Dolphin Die-Off in Peru May Remain a Mystery
Thousands of dead or dying dolphins have washed ashore in Peru since January, a marine mystery potentially caused by a combination of stress, pollution and disease
Health
Peruvian Gold Comes with Mercury Health Risks
Merchants, townspeople in Peru face similar risks to gold miners
Sustainability
Climate Change Equals Culture Change in the Andes
Melting sacred glaciers and other fundamental changes confront the Andes's Quechua-speaking farmers
Sustainability
Water Wars Come to the Andes
In Peru, as glaciers decline and droughts increase, conflict and tension rise
