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.

North Sea Cod Crisis Brings Call for Nations to Act

Dwindling North Sea cod population alarms environmentalists and politicians, but impending restrictions and bans on fishing worry already struggling fishing industries.
Craig S. Smith
November 7, 2002

A Camellia Grows in Boston

Should we cherish some effects of global warming?
Peter Del Tredici
November 26, 2002

Pew Survey Finds America’s Global Stature Diminished

The lone superpower is finding that power doesn't equal popularity.
December 4, 2002

Parched in Australia: Drought Changes Views on Warming

Politicians who once were resistant to taking measures on global warming have a change of heart
Tim Johnston
November 16, 2006

Managing Globalization: The Trouble with Water

A UN report suggests access to water should be recognized as a human right
Daniel Altman
November 17, 2006