Now covering Climate Crisis. Freelancer specialising in natural environment, mountain cultures and ecosystems and climate change in the Himalaya and South Asia. Stories carry images taken by me. Photography Portfolio at www.instagram.com/neelimav
Farmers trade fungi for motorbikes in rural Nepal, but mushrooming road use threatens rural ways
The proceeds from yarsagumba fungus have bought mod cons and motorbikes from China to remote Dolpo, bringing convenience – as well as noise, pollution and uncertainty
By Neelima Vallangi
Venezuela loses its last glacier as it shrinks down to an ice field
Venezuela has lost its last remaining glacier after it shrunk so much that scientists reclassified it as an ice field. Scientists reclassify Humboldt glacier, also known as La Corona, after it melted faster than expected.
By Neelima Vallangi
Venomous snakes likely to migrate en masse amid global heating, says study
Researchers find many countries unprepared for influx of new species and will be vulnerable to bites
By Neelima Vallangi
Himalayan avalanches are increasing risk for climbers in warming climate
While high-altitude mountaineering comes with an inherent avalanche risk, global heating is exacerbating the danger during the climbing season in the Himalayan mountain range, experts warn.
By Neelima Vallangi
Curd instinct: ancient Nepali food reborn as dog chews in US
Exporting churpi, herders’ smoked yak cheese, has transformed lives in remote Himalayan villages
By Neelima Vallangi
Ain’t no mountain high enough, not even Everest, for the people of the Nepalese village of Phortse
In high-altitude Nepal, one Sherpa village has more Everest summiteers than anywhere else on Earth. Why?
Story & Images by Neelima Vallangi
‘Your mother is in the mountains’: Nepal’s record-breaking female mountaineers – a photo essay
A trio of ambitious Nepali climbers are among those reshaping the country’s male-dominated mountaineering industry
By Neelima Vallangi
The weight of water - The human cost of climate change | Documentary Film for Deutsche Welle
This film tells three stories of people suffering from the dramatic consequences of climate change. Their Nepalese communities are already being affected by floods and drought. Their suffering is a direct result of human-made climate change.
A feature length film by Neelima Vallangi & Deej Phillips
https://www.dw.com/en/the-weight-of-water-the-human-cost-of-climate-change/a-61166002
Leading the charge: wildlife experts plan for future of Nepal’s rhinos
One-horned species was nearly extinct before poaching was curbed. Now the climate crisis could pose a greater threat.
By Neelima Vallangi
Chhurpi: The world's hardest cheese?
Created thousands of years ago in the remote reaches of the Himalayas, chhurpi can be eaten for up to 20 years.
By Neelima Vallangi
The unsolved mystery of Skeleton Lake
Nearly 80 years after the Himalayan lake first captured the world's imagination, the mystery continues to confound – even as revolutionary advances are made in understanding our past. By Neelima Vallangi
Rapid heating of Indian Ocean worsening cyclones, say scientists
India’s cyclone season is being made more intense by the rapidly heating Indian Ocean, scientists have warned.
Glacial lakes threaten millions with flooding as planet heats up
An increasing number of people are being threatened by flooding caused by glacial lakes bursting, scientists have warned.
Hydropower projects are wreaking havoc in the Himalayas
The deadly February 7 flash flood in Uttarakhand should not be blamed on ‘nature’s fury’ alone.
The Himalayan peak off limits to climbers
Climbing Machhapuchhare is forbidden, a rarity in a country like Nepal that has embraced mountain tourism so enthusiastically that even the world's highest point gets overcrowded.