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.

Climate Panel Issues Urgent Warning to Curb Gases

An overheated planet requires that humans take immediate action
Elisabeth Rosenthal
February 2, 2007

Scorched Earth: Environmental Legacy of Tropical Peat Fires

Forest fires in 1997 to have long-lasting detrimental effects.
November 7, 2002

Coral Reefs off the Florida Keys Get Protection from Large Ships

The Florida Keys are now protected thanks to rare cooperation between the International Maritime Organization and the Bush administration.
November 14, 2002

'Heat Island' Tokyo Is in Global Warming's Vanguard

As global warming in metropolitan cities such as Tokyo becomes more serious, innovative environmental solutions are beginning to appear.
James Brooke
August 13, 2002

To Fuel the Mideast’s Grills, Somalia Smolders

Economics overrides the environment as Somalis burn their own trees for charcoal used in the Middle East.
Marc Lacey
July 25, 2002