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.

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

Japan Sweats It Out as It Wages War on Air Conditioning

Japanese firms endure warm temperatures to combat global warming
Sebastian Moffett
September 18, 2007

Bee Decline Threatens Our Dinner and the Countryside

Humans must do their part to protect the busy little insects that make a diverse food supply possible
Jimmy Lee Shreeve
August 30, 2007

Jatropha Plant Gains Steam in Global Race for Biofuels

By growing some ugly weeds, India’s farmers could become the world's new "oil" barons
Patrick Barta
August 31, 2007