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.

Weaning From Fossil Fuels and Growing a Green Economy

Diverse innovation on climate protection could build support for global treaty
Dennis Posadas
March 8, 2013

Is China Choking on Success?

Smog enveloping China’s cities could be a metaphor for its dangerous, unsustainable growth
Robert A. Manning
February 15, 2013

The Hidden Global Trade in Water

Calculating the inefficiencies and trade in water-intensive crops could save water
Jenny Kehl
February 13, 2013

All-Night Negotiations in Doha Produce No Cliffhanger

Deadline unclear on climate change, more perilous than economic crises
Scott Barrett
December 10, 2012

As Arctic Melts, Business As Usual

Nations ignore the addiction to fossil fuels – and climate change – at their peril
Will Hickey
October 10, 2012

Time to End Fuel Subsidies?

Budgetary balance and need to develop alternatives, are reasons to end fuel subsidies
Will Hickey
June 7, 2012