Contents
Acknowledgments
Preface
Food and Agriculture Trends
Grain Harvest Sets Record, But Supplies Still Tight
Meat Production Continues to Rise
Genetically Modified Crops Only a Fraction of Primary Global Crop Production
Fish Farming Continues to Grow as World Fisheries Stagnate
Energy and Transportation Trends
Coal Use Rises Dramatically Despite Impacts on Climate and Health
Oil Consumption Continues Slow Growth
Wind Power Continues Rapid Rise
Despite Obstacles, Biofuels Continue Surge
Another Sunny Year for Solar Power
Vehicle Production Rises, But Few Cars Are “Green”
Nuclear Power Crawling Forward
Strong Growth in Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Reduces Electricity Demand
One Twelfth of Global Electricity Comes from Combined Heat and Power Systems
Bicycle Production Reaches 30 Million Units
Environment and Climate Trends
Climate Change Accelerates
Carbon Emissions on the Rise But Policies Growing Too
Weather-related Disasters Dominate
Global Economy and Resources Trends
Global Economic Growth Continues at Expense of Ecological Systems
Carbon Markets Gain Momentum, Despite Challenges
Jobs in Renewable Energy Expanding
Microfinance Surging
Population and Society Trends
Peacekeeping Budgets and Personnel Soar to New Heights
Fertility Falls, Population Rises, Future Uncertain
Child Mortality Drops Below 10 Million
Environment a Growing Driver in Displacement of People
Notes
The Vital Signs Series