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.

Arctic Melt Unnerves the Experts

Arctic ice is melting at a faster rate than once predicted by scientists
Andrew C. Revkin
October 12, 2007

Huge Effort Urged on Global Warming

Former US President Bill Clinton claims that fighting global warming makes economic sense
Chrystia Freeland
September 28, 2007

Beneath Booming Cities, China’s Future Is Drying Up

Water shortages will stunt China's economic growth
Jim Yardley
October 2, 2007

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

Why Climate Change Can't Be Stopped

Still, governments should not simply shrug and give up
Paul J. Saunders
October 18, 2007