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.

Energy Firms Come to Terms With Climate Change

Accepting scientific evidence, energy firms express preference for a coherent national policy rather than a patchwork of state regulations
Steven Mufson
November 30, 2006

Apocalypse Now

Concern over global warming and its implications for a global economy heat up
David Adam
November 4, 2006

IoS 2060: Tsunami Horror Hits Britain

By not taking immediate action on global warming, nations can expect numerous weather, health and economic crises this century
Geoffrey Lean
November 6, 2006

From Pest to Meal: A Leap Forward?

“Eat anything that flies,” an old Chinese saying goes. But that may soon exclude sparrows.
Chris Buckley
April 3, 2002

Coal Makes a Comeback

Economic powers cannot resist a cheap and abundant source of energy
Sebastian Ramspeck
October 9, 2006