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.

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

A Radical Step to Preserve a Species: Assisted Migration

Global warming endangers thousands of species, and pushes scientists to consider radical rescue tactics
Carl Zimmer
February 14, 2007

Once a Dream Fuel, Palm Oil May Be an Eco-Nightmare

Unanticipated consequences spur search for sustainable alternatives
Elisabeth Rosenthal
February 5, 2007