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.

Parallel Universe

Passing the buck matters more than coming to grips with climate change
Nayan Chanda
July 22, 2008

Obama’s Biofuels Policy Tension

Candidates can’t hold fast to a position with new research on biofuels, the environment, food prices and economics
Roger Harrabin
August 13, 2008

Stark Warning on Britain's Shrinking Coast

Coastal living transforms from luxury to risk
Nigel Morris
August 21, 2008

Japan to Launch Carbon Footprint Labeling Scheme

Companies and government team up to make it easy for consumers to choose low-carbon products
Justin McCurry
August 22, 2008

Green Tax on Big Cars in China

China stops big cars, with all the pollution problems, in their tracks
Zuo Maohong
August 20, 2008