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.

A Syrian Lesson for India

Water shortages, climate change are security threats
Nayan Chanda
September 11, 2013

Botanical Bandits: Rampant Poaching Threatens Ginseng’s Survival

Scavengers, poachers attack US forests
Jake Frankel
September 9, 2013

The Day the Earth Ran Out

Two Earths may be needed by 2050 with current consumption rates
Carter Roberts
August 23, 2013

The Decline of Renewable Energy

Research should focus on cost reduction
Bjørn Lomborg
August 21, 2013

Greenland Melting

Some climate researchers throw caution to the wind
Jeff Goodell
August 5, 2013