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.

'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

Why Should We Do More to Cut Greenhouse Gases?

Indian government officials question the assumption that developing countries produce disproportionate greenhouse gases. Instead, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee calls for developed nations to take greater personal responsibility for the emissions.
P. Sunderarajan
October 31, 2002

China Says Rich Countries Should Take Lead on Global Warming

Giants of the developing world claim they’re not to blame for climate change
Jim Yardley
February 9, 2007

The New Cyprus Controversy: Oil

Oil may give the divided island reason to reunify or reason to argue
George Gilson
February 15, 2007