The Earth’s environment is the source of economic, social, cultural activities, with nature shaping human life over the centuries. The rapid growth in the world population, from 1 billion in 1830 to 7 billion today, add pressures for air quality, oceans, land use and resources as basic as water. Awareness is building about over-reliance on fossil fuels, how carbon and other emissions contribute to global warming and volatile weather. Every industry requires energy, and cross-border industrialization, transportation and other economic activities contribute to environmental degradation. Yet globalization also spurs awareness and activism over the need for global cooperation and standards to promote sustainability and environmental protection.

Minilateralism

Solving global problems may require undemocratic means
Moisés Naím
July 1, 2009

Oil or Trees? Germany Takes Lead in Saving Ecuador's Rainforest

Pay to Abstain: Ecuador’s new approach to saving the rainforest and helping the environment
Jess Smee
July 1, 2009

A New (Under) Class of Travellers

Climate change requires both an environmental as well as a demographic solution
June 30, 2009

Climate Sans Borders

Debate over global climate change is heating up
Nayan Chanda
May 26, 2009

China Outpaces U.S. in Cleaner Coal-Fired Plants

Cleaner coal power plants in China now cost less than the US
Keith Bradsher
May 12, 2009