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.

Germany Leads With Its Goal of 100 Percent Renewable Energy

But nuclear energy producers exert political pressure, refusing to let go of profits
Daniel Boese
September 7, 2010

New Killer: Climate Change

Most likely victims are the poor who become environmental refugees
Sasha Chavkin
July 22, 2010

Seizing the Moment for Clean Energy

The transition from fossil fuels requires united global action – and some US leadership
Ann Florini
July 1, 2010

Growing Challenges of Energy and Environment – Part II

Taxing carbon at the border could be protectionism in disguise
Olivier Cattaneo
June 24, 2010

Growing Challenges of Energy and Environment – Part I

BP unleashed the oil spill disaster, but all Americans are complicit
Susan Froetschel
June 22, 2010

Globalization of Energy Demand

Rising trends impact the world
June 18, 2010