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.

On Carbon, Tax and Don’t Spend

Taxes designed to boost government revenues do not necessarily help the environment
Monica Prasad
April 1, 2008

Global Warming Blamed for Ice Shelf Collapse

Global warming leaves Antarctica on thin ice
March 28, 2008

Arid Barcelona Forced to Import Water

Drought puts a damper on city’s cosmopolitan image
Elizabeth Nash
April 14, 2008

Monsanto’s Harvest of Fear

Consumers and farmers fret about too much tinkering with seeds, food and nature
Donald L. Barlett
April 7, 2008

Myanmar Wildlife Pays the Price for Chinese Demand

Greed drives black markets in endangered species
March 3, 2008