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.

Biologists Hope to Kill All of Rat Island's Rats

Biologists determine that some species cause ecological imbalance
Mike Campbell
September 25, 2008

Globalization Draws Green Activist Attention

Activists rely on corporate procedures to call attention to environmental problems
Joe Leahy
September 9, 2008

Massive Canada Arctic Ice Shelf Breaks Away

Land features that took thousands of years to form disappear in one summer
David Ljunggren
September 8, 2008

Power-Sector Emissions of China to Top US

Growth in Asia adds to challenges of slowing climate change
Steven Mufson
August 28, 2008

Millions Forfeit Water to Olympic Games

Costs of diverting water from farmlands to the city may be higher than expected
Michael Sheridan
August 27, 2008