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.

Carbon Confusion

African firms prepare for trade in carbon credits
Emilie Filou
May 18, 2011

Today's Weather Affects Attitudes on Global Warming

Fears over climate change surge with every sweltering day or snowfall
Jeanna Bryner
April 14, 2011

Study: Some Natural Gas Threatens Climate More Than Coal

With releases of methane, extracting natural gas is not so clean
Tennille Tracy
April 13, 2011

Multitude of Species Face Climate Threat

A sixth great mass extinction could be underway
Carl Zimmer
April 8, 2011

Mother Nature’s Melting Pot

There are no alien species on a dynamic Earth
Hugh Raffles
April 4, 2011