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.

Time to Move to a Second Generation of Biofuels

Governments can design incentives that both control food prices and protect the environment
Christopher Flavin
February 15, 2008

Italian Waste Hits New Snag

Plan would ship Italy’s nuclear waste more than 9000 kilometers to Utah’s deserts
Judy Fahys
March 11, 2008

Carbon Prices, Not Quotas

Immediate and international cooperation is essential for slowing climate change
Ernesto Zedillo
March 11, 2008

Insect Explosion “A Threat to Food Crops”

Rising temperatures, carbon-dioxide levels and insect populations threaten crop damage
Steve Connor
February 15, 2008

Scientists Identify “Tipping Points” of Climate Change

Global warming could already be out of control
Steve Connor
February 7, 2008