As the results of the world’s largest democratic elections unfolded yesterday, four words echoed everywhere. Those who supported the victors, those who sympathised with the other contenders, just about everyone I know, said the same thing – I told you so! “The four most beautiful words in our common language,” as American writer Gore Vidal had famously labelled it.

Human beings are inclined to speculate and predict the future. When these forecasts are based on credible data and learnings from past experiences, the chances of hitting the bull’s eye are higher. For instance, when summers become too hot to handle, can the erratic monsoons be far behind? #IToldYouSo!

Given the severity of the heatwaves this year and the perceptible shift in seasonal vagaries, we know that the long-term impact of climate change will be enormously detrimental for the health of the people and the planet. The billion-dollar question is: Can this knowledge shake us out of our complacency and drive us to take dedicated action this World Environment Day (observed on 5 June annually)?

We no longer have the luxury of time. Now is the time to act. At First Check, we understand how the environment and public health are deeply connected. Without a healthy planet, healthy people cannot exist. Similarly, without a healthy information ecosystem, access to credible and timely health information will remain a challenge.

Thank you for all the love you have been sending for the First Check Coffee Table Book. It inspires us to do more, do better.

Before I say adios, here are the top 10 stories published in the month of May 2024: