Contents
Acknowledgments
Preface
Energy and Transportation Trends
Global Coal Use Stagnates Despite Growing Chinese and Indian Markets
Growth of Biofuel Production Slows
Natural Gas Use Falls But Renaissance Is in the Pipeline
World Nuclear Generation Stagnates
Wind Power Growth Continues to Break Records Despite Recession
Record Growth in Photovoltaic Capacity and Momentum Builds for Concentrating Solar Power
Auto Industry in Turmoil But Chinese Production Surges
Air Travel Trends Mixed as Carbon Footprint Grows
Environment and Climate Trends
World Will Completely Miss 2010 Biodiversity Target
Glacial Melt and Ocean Warming Drive Sea Level Upward
Losses from Natural Disasters Decline in 2009
Bottled Water Consumption Growth Slows
Food and Agriculture Trends
Grain Production Strong But Fails to Set Record
Meat Production and Consumption Continue to Grow
Global Fish Production Continues to Rise
Cocoa Production Continues Growth
Fertilizer Consumption Declines Sharply
Global Economy and Resources Trends
Global Output Stagnant
Unemployment and Precarious Employment Grow More Prominent
Materials Use Up
Roundwood Production Plummets
Population and Society Trends
World Population Growth Slows Modestly, Still on Track for 7 Billion in Late 2011
Global Chronic Hunger Rises Above 1 Billion
Educational Attainment Worldwide on the Rise
Mobile Phone and Internet Use Grows Robustly
Notes
The Vital Signs Series