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.

Step on the Gas: What India Must Do for the Planet

Developing nations face deadline in shifting away from CFCs
Sunita Narain and Chandra Bhushan
October 3, 2014

Why Fighting Climate Change May Help the Economy, Not Hurt It

Ending subsidies for fossil fuels, encouraging efficiency would help all economies
Michael Casey
September 19, 2014

China's Island Factory

Nations bordering the South China Sea go great lengths to establish claims
Rupert Wingfield-Hayes
September 9, 2014

Study: Illegal Poaching Could Drive African Elephants to Extinction

Chinese demand for ivory tusks drives poaching
Brad Plumer
August 22, 2014

Global Warming Denial Rears Ugly Head Around the World, In English

Skeptics are few, but loud in Australia, Canada, UK and US
Dana Nuccitelli
August 21, 2014