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.

Japan Objects to Proposed Bluefin Ban

Tuna test the limits of global governance
Yuka Hayashi
March 9, 2010

Recycling Precious Metals

Electronic waste threatens connecting the world in unhealthy ways
Axel Bojanowski
March 3, 2010

Sands Shifting for Africa's Nomadic Herders

There is no a single path to global integration
February 12, 2010

Climate Of Politics

Copenhagen disappointed the Europeans, but halted the widening rift between India and China
Nayan Chanda
January 22, 2010

Trouble for Palm Oil

Deforestation or development: palm oil causes both
January 14, 2010