They outlived the dinosaurs and are the stuff of maritime legend, but now sharks – the tertiary predators of the sea – have found themselves under threat. More than 40% of shark species in the Mediterranean, along with rays, are on the cusp of being wiped out, according to a new report.

From the smallest bear on the planet to the giant panda, six out of the world’s eight species are now considered globally threatened as populations – particularly in Asia and South America – continue to decline.

Mankind’s closest living relatives – apes, monkeys, lemurs and other primates – are under unprecedented threat of extinction from the destruction of tropical forests, illegal wildlife trade and commercial bushmeat hunting, according to a new report.

Britain’s marine environment is on its knees, according to a new report. Conservation experts from around the UK have compiled a list of 15 marine areas urgently in need of protection, each considered vital for the preservation of at least one species of marine animal or plant. MSN Environment investigates.

As the global environmental movement gathers pace, MSN UK News brings you a collection of the most arresting photo galleries from the environmental frontline. From endangered species to eco-savvy Hollywood stars, we celebrate our planet's treasures in pictures.

You don’t have to grow a hair coat or travel by horse and cart to help combat climate change. Simply tweak your daily routine and you could shrink your carbon footprint in no time.

Are you an environmentally conscious eco-warrior who recycles with religious fervour, or do you drive to the post box and back in a CO2-belching 4x4 behemoth? Find out whether you're an eco-saint or an eco-sinner with our green IQ quiz.

There are two sides to every story – and global warming is no exception. Much has been said about the dangers of allowing climate change to continue unchecked. But there is an alternative perspective...

The weather is changing. Temperatures and sea levels are rising. Summers are getting hotter, winters are getting wetter. But what does that mean for us here in the UK? What will it be like to live here in the future? And why should we even care?

Learn more about global warming - measurable increases in the average temperature of Earth's atmosphere, oceans and land masses - with MSN Encarta.

With two fingers pressed firmly to the jugular of global environmental issues, MSN UK's official green blog keeps you abreast of climate change.

MSN UK News looks at whether it is acceptable for the rights to name 10 new marine species to be auctioned off to the highest bidder.

Have you noticed the effects of global warming? Are you changing your lifestyle to help save the planet? Is recycling overrated? Join our green debates.

As the government takes the decision to completely ignore its own experts and upgrade cannabis from Class C to Class B, our incredulous news editor asks: "What?!"

The Austrian man who held his daughter captive in a cellar for 24 years, fathering her seven children, is expected to plead insanity in court.

Burma is refusing foreign aid after the worst storm to hit Asia in more than 25 years claimed as many as 100,000 lives. Special report.