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.

E-Waste@Large

Keeping toxic computer trash from US dumps only to ship it abroad is no help
Elizabeth Royte
January 27, 2006

Aussies Tackle Global Warming

A key supplier of energy resources, Australia combats global warming
Alan Goodall
January 20, 2006

Economists Price the Ravages of Climate Change

Weighing the value of immediate sacrifice to stave off long-term global warming
Scheherazade Daneshkhu
February 8, 2006

Hundreds of Thousands Used ‘Lethal’ Water

The cover-up of a disastrous spill in northern China exposes hundreds of thousands to lethal chemicals
Peter Goff
November 28, 2005

Environmentalists in Italy Fight a ‘Green’ Project

Project for tunnels across the Alps to unite Eastern and Western Europe hits wall of opposition
Elizabeth Rosenthal
November 30, 2005