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.

China's Missile Message

Destruction of a satellite displays power – and possibly China's will to be an exception when it comes to global standards
Elizabeth Economy
January 26, 2007

Beyond Oil: Reappraising the Gulf States

Oil-rich nations must prepare now for the day when natural resources run dry
Kito de Boer
January 31, 2007

China’s Poison for the Planet

China’s cheap consumer goods and economic boom come with heavy health and environmental costs
Andreas Lorenz
February 2, 2007

A Nuclear Power Renaissance

Anxious about global warming and dwindling oil supplies, nations shrug about safety concerns and hurry to build reactors
Rüdiger Falksohn
January 16, 2007

Cold Comfort in Climate Change

Global warming may be more abrupt, harsh and unrelenting than scientists have predicted
Peter Fisher
January 8, 2007