| Charlotte Amelines, MSN Environment Contributor | ![]() |
Earth’s seven biggest mysteries
![]() |
Planet Earth – it’s the only place we have and ever will live. But when asked fundamental questions about its nature, we’re often stumped.
How did such a rich and fertile world form from a lifeless cloud of dust and gas? What happened in between its creation and the appearance of life? How indeed, did life begin, how much is there and why has it ended abruptly in mass extinctions more than once?
The truth is that these and many more key questions still baffle our most brilliant scientists, and our ever-changing world yields its secrets with extraordinary reluctance. But piece-by-piece, we are putting together the puzzle that is the planet Earth.

MORE ON MSN ENVIRONMENT
Vast sums promised by rich nations including the UK to help developing countries tackle climate change cannot be accounted for, according to a study.
Nuclear power station shut by blazeA nuclear power station has been shut down following a fire.
Trees 'lock in greenhouse gases'Planting enough trees to cover an extra 4% of the UK in woodland could lock up a tenth of the country's predicted greenhouse gas emissions by the middle of the century, researchers have said.
Brands accused over emissions cutsOnly one in five of the UK's top brands are cutting their emissions and have ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gases in line with Government goals, a study has shown.
LATEST ON CLIMATE CHANGE RSS feed

Are these the answer to the threat of rising sea levels? One architect believes floating cities could offer a safe haven for people who have lost their homes to flooding.
LATEST ON WILDLIFE RSS feed

The UK has a rich diversity of marine wildlife and is home to more than 44,000 species from basking sharks to jellyfish and tiny corals.
LATEST ON GREEN LIVING RSS feed

Millions of us will head to the beach this summer to enjoy the sun and perhaps even take a dip in the sea. But before you head down to the seaside and have a swim you might want to check the water quality of the beach you are visiting.
JOIN MSN ENVIRONMENT

Become a fan of msn environment on facebook, get instant updates by following us on twitter and try out the mobile phone version of this site.











