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.

Tuareg Activist Takes on French Nuclear Company

French uranium mining in Niger lays waste to environment and locals
Cordula Meyer
April 28, 2010

Race for Resources: Deciding the Arctic’s Future Behind Closed Doors

Five countries meet to sort out the Arctic while others feel left out in the cold
Christoph Seidler
April 7, 2010

World's Biggest Cities Merging Into 'Mega-Regions'

New mega-regions herald economic growth but may bring new social problems home
John Vidal
March 29, 2010

E-Waste Trade Ban Won’t End Environmental Threat

Developing world will dramatically increase e-waste
Joe Kullman
March 25, 2010

Europe's Green Diplomacy

The EU’s relevance may rely on climate change
Sascha Müller-Kraenner and Martin Kremer
March 11, 2010