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.

Costa Rica’s Pineapple Boom Unhealthy, Warn Experts

Pineapple growers try to avoid groundwater contamination
Will Ferguson
June 7, 2011

Worst Ever Carbon Emissions Leave Climate on the Brink

People ignore warnings about a changing climate and refuse to change energy habits
Fiona Harvey
May 31, 2011

Nation of the Forest

In Bhutan, flexibility leads to happiness and preservation of values
Cathy Shufro
May 30, 2011

Coral Reefs Twice Size of Manila Destroyed

Poachers target rare black coral for jewelry sold in US
Philip C. Tubeza
May 26, 2011

A Link Between Climate Change and Joplin Tornadoes? Never!

The US finds it hard to admit a mistake
Bill McKibben
May 25, 2011