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.

China Vies to Be World’s Leader in Electric Cars

Electric cars: good for development, international relations, resource allocation and the environment
Keith Bradsher
April 3, 2009

The Albatross: Flying High, Again...

Environmental groups experiment with ways to protect birds from long-line and trawling gear
Kunal Dutta
March 16, 2009

“Stem Rust” Fungus Threatens Global Wheat Harvest

Evolution of fungus can outpace the disease-resistant varieties devised by researchers
John Vidal
March 23, 2009

Birds v. Coal: South African Court Asked to Decide

Coal mining companies move about the world and activists follow
November 19, 2008

Tropics No Longer Museum of Plant Biodiversity

Rich biodiversity does not protect species in the tropics from extinction
December 23, 2008