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.

The Fury of the Poor

A global and worsening food crisis thwarts globalization’s gains in the developing world
Spiegel Staff
April 18, 2008

New Mapping Technique Offers Hope for Madagascan Wildlife

Satellite imagery allows researchers to target areas rich in species
Jessica Aldred
April 15, 2008

Logging Boreal Forest Could Detonate Massive “Carbon Bomb,” Says Report

Cutting trees releases large amounts of carbon dioxide
April 14, 2008

Demands for Crackdown on Biofuels Scam

Energy traders swing by the US just to take advantage of biofuel subsidies
Terry Macalister
April 2, 2008

Food Miles Are Just a Form of Protectionism

Distrust emerges in Europe over organic crops from foreign farms
Dominic Lawson
April 2, 2008