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.

Global Rush to Energy Crops Threatens to Bring Food Shortages and Increase Poverty, Says UN

The push for more energy crops to create biofuels comes at an increasing risk
John Vidal
May 25, 2007

Tainted Chinese Imports Common

China is in a big rush to feed the world, flooding the market with unfit food
Rick Weiss
May 24, 2007

Betting on Biofuels

Despite biofuel’s many uncertainties, the management consulting firm advises companies to act now
William K. Caesar
June 7, 2007

Global Effort to Save Endangered Crops Gets $37.5 Million Infusion

Arctic bunkers will serve as new crop bank for storing rare seeds and promoting crop diversity
Andrew C. Revkin
April 20, 2007

Who's Monitoring Chinese Food Exports?

Buyers and sellers learn the hard way how pesticides defile the environment and food products
Nicholas Zamiska
April 13, 2007