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.

Climate Change Drives Disease to New Territory

The spread of insects could prompt politicians to take action on global warming
Doug Struck
May 5, 2006

For People and Planet

Industry cannot continue managing the earth like it’s a “business in liquidation”
Al Gore
April 3, 2006

The 7,000-Km Journey That Links Amazon Destruction to Fast Food

Soya grown in Brazil may not be genetically modified, but the McDonald’s menus of Europe have other environmental costs
John Vidal
April 10, 2006

Climate Change Sparks Scrap for Arctic Resources

Some corporations look forward to exploiting an Arctic exposed by global warming
Philip Bethge
April 7, 2006

Insurance Industry Feels the Heat of Global Warming

Record losses prompt insurers to take an active role in preparing for a changing climate
Derrick Z. Jackson
March 22, 2006