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.

Report: GM Corn No Big Danger

Still, a watchdog group says steps should be taken to slow the amount of biotech corn pouring across the border from the United States
Will Weissert
November 9, 2004

Greenpeace Releases GM Corn Study

Environmentalists publicize a report they say the US and Mexican governments are trying to bury
Michael O. Boyle
October 19, 2004

US Report, in Shift, Turns Focus to Greenhouse Gases

The Bush administration, for the first time, acknowledges human activities contribution to global warming
Andrew C. Revkin
August 26, 2004

Mapuche Indians in Chile Struggle to Take Back Forests

Indigenous vs. state struggle is complicated by use of “terrorism”
Larry Rohter
August 11, 2004

Japan Elbows its Way into Far East: Not Only for Energy

Japan’s relationship with Russia based on oil and influence
August 12, 2004