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.

UN Warns of Environmental Threats

A growing population living beyond its means endangers humans and the planet
James Kanter
October 26, 2007

The Future Is Drying Up

Water scarcity in the American West threatens catastrophe
Jon Gertner
November 6, 2007

Organic Food Is Healthier and Safer, Four-Year EU Investigation Shows

While researchers confirm that "organic" means "healthy," systems must ensure that "organic" really means "organic"
Emily Dugan
October 30, 2007

India Harvests First Biotech Cotton Crop

Can genetically engineered crops solve India’s agricultural problems?
Rama Lakshmi
May 4, 2003

Overheated Planet Seeking Solutions: Emissions Fix May Lie Beneath Us

Emerging technology could be a silver bullet on global warming or an unnatural disaster
Laurie Goering
October 16, 2007