The article discusses the perilous conditions faced by divers in the Philippines who mine for gold underwater. The water is so murky that it resembles chocolate milk, and the miners, including children, must dig blindly for hours. The work is fraught with dangers such as the potential collapse of underwater tunnels and the failure of makeshift air compressors. The piece highlights the risks involved in this type of mining and the hazardous environment in which these individuals work. The article also mentions that the story, documented by Larry Price in collaboration with PBS NewsHour, received a 2015 Emmy for Outstanding Investigative Journalism.

The article discusses the severe impact of airborne pollution, particularly fine particulate matter known as PM2.5, on global health. PM2.5 is a leading risk factor for death, causing over 4 million fatalities annually. The article highlights the disproportionate effect on developing nations, though no country is immune. It explains the sources of PM2.5, its health implications, and how it is measured and reported by governments. The piece also touches on the challenges of regulating air quality and the political obstacles to maintaining clean air standards. The journalist reports on visits to seven countries by Undark and the Pulitzer Center to explore the real-world consequences of air pollution and the efforts to combat it. The article mentions a collaboration between the Health Effects Institute and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, which emphasizes the gravity of PM2.5 pollution. It also references a real-time air pollution model by AirVisual, a project of IQAir.

Kabwe, Zambia, is considered the world's most toxic town due to nearly a century of lead mining and smelting, which has left a legacy of severe pollution and health issues. Children like seven-year-old Martin are particularly affected, with high levels of lead in their blood causing learning difficulties and other serious health problems. Despite the closure of the state-owned smelter in 1994, the soil remains contaminated, and people, including children, are still being poisoned. Efforts to address the crisis have begun, with NGOs like Terrre des Hommes, Environment Africa, and Pure Earth starting to clean up homes and soil. However, the scale of the problem is vast, and while the Zambian government acknowledges the issue and has plans for a cleanup and health interventions, the situation remains dire for many residents who continue to suffer from lead exposure.

The article discusses the plight of children and teenagers who were caught up in the conflicts in eastern Congo, where numerous rebel groups have been fighting for control. With the Congolese and United Nations forces working towards peace, these young individuals are now undergoing reintegration into civilian life. Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Larry C. Price, in collaboration with The Center for Investigative Reporting and Medium, presents two series of portraits, one in black and white and the other in color, to document the journey of 12 young adults as they try to overcome the trauma of war and violence and start anew.