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.

Hard Realities: Brazil Drops Resistance to Genetically Altered Crops

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is accused of betraying his principles for the sake of trade
Larry Rohter
September 28, 2003

Unnatural Disasters

Global warming could create 150 million environmental refugees - but the countries responsible are in no hurry to carry their share of the costs
Andrew Simms
October 15, 2003

No Ice at the North Pole

Polar ice, melting at faster rates, could contribute to extreme weather patterns
Steve Connor
July 2, 2008

Nestlé Asks EU to Soften Line on GM

The multinational warns that feeding the world is impossible without genetically modified foods
Raphael Minder
June 30, 2008

Food Prices Threatened by Silence of the Bees

Vanishing pollinators contribute to reduced harvests
Tom Leonard
July 4, 2008