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.

Is a Pandemic Being Born?

Mysterious deaths of pigs and people may be connected
Laurie Garrett
April 4, 2013

Coffee Rust Plagues Farmers in Mexico

Rising heat of climate change is a culprit
Frédéric Saliba
April 2, 2013

Oklahoma Earthquake Linked to Oil Extraction Wastewater

Seismic events could occur years after wastewater injections begin
Jason Palmer
April 1, 2013

Environmental Woes Could Reverse Global Development

Countries that haven’t been big polluters will be hit hard
Christopher F. Schuetze
March 20, 2013

Wind Rush

With subsidies stripped away, wind beats fossil fuels as the cheapest energy source
Edward Humes
March 20, 2013