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.

The Coming Tsunami of Trash

Nations use oceans as giant dumping grounds
Niall Ferguson
August 14, 2006

We Should Be Wary of a Nuclear Reaction

Countries that possess the technology to enrich uranium must be sensitive about reactions from neighboring countries
Andrew Davies
September 6, 2006

The Village That Refused to Die

In China, new dam construction pits local villagers against those who favor development
Jonathan Watts
July 19, 2006

Effect of Climate Change on Oceans Gaining Attention

Global warming’s impact on oceans could disrupt the food chain
Tom Paulson
July 11, 2006

What’s Your Consumption Factor?

Extreme consumption is a bigger problem than population growth
Jared Diamond
January 3, 2008