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.

Deforestation: The Hidden Cause of Global Warming

Governments overlook the many costs of destroying the world’s rainforests
Daniel Howden
May 19, 2008

Putting Pollution on Grocery Bills

Long-distance food is often less expensive than homegrown crops
Elisabeth Rosenthal
May 1, 2008

Food for Thought

Misguided environmental choice, while being of little use, will hit poor farmers in developing countries
Nayan Chanda
May 8, 2008

Myanmar Death Toll Rises to 22,000; Thousands Missing

Isolation offers no protection from environmental disaster
Rattaphol Onsanit
May 6, 2008

Cleaner Air, Courtesy of California

California may make fuel efficient cars a nationwide trend with global benefits
August 14, 2003