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.

China Plan to Cap CO2 Emissions Seen as Turning Point in Climate Talks

China and the US could break the rich-poor divide on addressing climate change
Kathy Chen and Stian Reklev
June 4, 2014

How Climate Change Will Destroy Your Country's Credit Rating

Expect downgrades for poor nations that use the least energy
Todd Woody
May 27, 2014

Deforestation: Carving Up the Amazon

Rapid road construction threatens climate patterns
Barbara Fraser
May 22, 2014

A Black Mark in the Waiting

World’s third largest coal producer will bear brunt of climate change
Nayan Chanda
May 21, 2014

New Species of Metal-Eating Plant Has “Great Potential” for Green Technology

Rinorea niccolifera stores up to 18,000 parts per million of nickel in its leaves
Philip Ross
May 14, 2014