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.

The Gulf's Invisible Villain: Natural Gas

Colorless, odorless gas can be as toxic as oil
Kate Sheppard
August 9, 2010

Scientists Say Gulf Spill Altering Food Web

Some species adapt better than others, but all are affected
Matthew Brown, Ramit Plushnick-Masti
July 23, 2010

In Afghanistan, a Threat of Plunder

Under poor governance, a bonanza of natural resources may only bring misery
Paul Collier
July 21, 2010

Tuna's End

Humans test the limits of sea’s bounty
Paul Greenberg
July 15, 2010

African Migrant Workers Find Slim Pickings in Strawberry Fields of Southern Spain

Fickle laws and weather leave migrants in limbo
Jean-Jacques Bozonnet
June 28, 2010