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.

Emerging Green Technology Poses Threat of Trade Wars

Global rules for developing alternative energy could prevent waste and abuse
Bruce Stokes
May 14, 2010

Cutting Climate Change's Gordian Knot

A new way to improve health and lower the risk of future climate change
John C. Topping Jr.
April 2, 2010

Roots of Copenhagen Failure: Nature Does Not Recognize Nations

The current world order is incapable of solving global problems
Bo Ekman
March 24, 2010

Adieu, Atlantic Blue Fin Tuna?

Global governance has failed to protect biodiversity
Alex David Rogers
March 17, 2010

After Copenhagen: Climate Action Goes Local

Developing economies are some of the world leaders in clean technology
R. Sean Randolph
January 29, 2010

Fallout from Copenhagen: Has the EU Lost Its Global Relevance?

Thus far, Europe lacks a consistent policy on almost every issue
Jean-Pierre Lehmann
January 5, 2010