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.

Lack of Bees Could Cause “Wonky Strawberries”

Pollination supports up to one third of the food supply
Louise Gray
June 25, 2010

Nigeria: “World Oil Pollution Capital”

In Africa, oil companies do not respond to spills with booms, robots or escrow accounts
Caroline Duffield
June 18, 2010

Britain Should Back Down Over BP

Cavalier approach to major environmental and economic disaster only fuels anger
Clive Crook
June 15, 2010

BP Oil Spill: Louisianans Want More From Obama ... But More What?

Anticipating and managing crisis divides democracies
Bill Sasser
June 1, 2010

Gap in Rules on Oil Spills From Wells

Gushing leak could push new regulations for US oil industry
Kate Galbraith
May 21, 2010