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.

In Teeming India, Water Crisis Means Dry Pipes and Foul Sludge

An emerging economic power with fast-growing population confronts dire water shortages
Somini Sengupta
October 3, 2006

Is Russia Ready for a Shipping Boom?

Scientists and environmentalists fret that Russia’s ill prepared to manage or protect its trans-Siberian oil pipeline
Sarah J. Wachter
October 2, 2006

Can Arnold Terminate Emissions?

California’s governor and the British prime minister explore a trans-Atlantic emissions market
Christa Case
August 15, 2006

The Great Squanderer: China’s Scramble for Energy

Recognizing that growth and wealth depend on energy, China aims to develop alternatives to fossil fuels
Wieland Wagner
September 18, 2006

Cold, Hard Facts

Contrary to some reports, researchers have a consensus on global warming
Peter Doran
August 14, 2006