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.

World Set Back 10 Years by Bush's New World Order, Says Blair Aide

Far more efforts are needed to transform today's unsustainable growth to smart growth
Paul Brown
April 14, 2004

Shell Withheld Reserves Data to Aid Nigeria

The symbiosis of government and business takes a hit
Jeff Gerth
March 19, 2004

Political Shades of Green Clash

Some American conservationists advocate immigration restrictions as a solution to environmental degradation
Miguel Bustillo
March 24, 2004

It Must Be Something in the Water

Controversy over Nile water distribution pits North African countries against one another
Gamal Nkrumah
March 3, 2004

Hijacked Supertanker Underlines Our Energy Vulnerability

Pirates may pose less danger than society's reliance on fossil fuels
Michael G. Frodl
February 17, 2009