At least 20 endangered Ganges river dolphins are surviving in the heavily polluted Buriganga River, a study reveals.

The Buriganga, skirting Dhaka, is one of the world’s most contaminated urban waterways. Despite its toxic state, these dolphins have managed to persist, highlighting their resilience and raising questions about the broader environmental impacts on aquatic life.

The river's pollution levels are so high that they're deemed 'not livable' for other fish species, yet the Ganges river dolphins continue to thrive in this harsh environment.

This survival story masks a deeper ecological degradation. The long-term health of these dolphins and the river ecosystem remains precarious as industrial and urban pollutants continue to flow unchecked.

What is the long-term climate outlook for this region?

The resilience shown by the Ganges river dolphins in such a polluted environment suggests some adaptability, but it does not negate the broader environmental degradation. The continued pollution poses significant risks to both wildlife and human health. Addressing industrial discharge and urban runoff is critical to improving the Buriganga's water quality.

Improving the outlook requires urgent action on pollution control.