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’s Environmental Concerns Could Be GM Problem

Some cities limit licenses issued
Emanuele Berry
February 14, 2014

China Exports Pollution to US, Study Finds

Outsourcing manufacturing overseas shifted US pollution from east coast to west
Edward Wongjan
January 27, 2014

Incredible Edible Todmorden

Town in England built its identity as community garden
Julian Dobson
January 23, 2014

If You See Something, Say Something

History will judge scientists, journalists, politicians who ignore climate-change data
Michael E. Mann
January 21, 2014

US Cold Snap Fuels Climate Debate

Polar jet streams influence temperatures
Jeff Tollefson
January 10, 2014