Contents
Acknowledgments
Preface
A Growing Economic Divide
Poverty and Armed Conflict
Standing Apart: The United States and Africa
Bridging the Divides
Part One: Key Indicators
Grain Production Drops
Meat Production and Consumption Grow
Fossil Fuel Use Up
Nuclear Power Rises
Wind Power’s Rapid Growth Continues
Carbon Emissions and Temperature Climb
Economic Growth Inches Up
Foreign Debt Declines
Advertising Spending Stays Nearly Flat
Tourism Growing But Still Shaky
World Heritage Sites Rising Steadily
Vehicle Production Inches Up
Bicycle Production Seesaws
Communications Networks Expand
Semiconductor Sales Rebound Slightly
Population Growth Slows
HIV/AIDS Pandemic Spreads Further
Cigarette Production Dips Slightly
Violent Conflicts Continue to Decline
Peacekeeping Expenditures Down Slightly
Part Two: Special Features
Birds in Decline
Small Islands Threatened by Sea Level Rise
Rich-Poor Divide Growing
Gap in CEO-Worker Pay Widens
Severe Weather Events on the Rise
High Farm Subsidies Persist
Harvesting of Illegal Drugs Remains High
Number of Refugees Drops
Alternative Medicine Gains Popularity
Maternal Deaths Reflect Inequities
Consumption Patterns Contribute to Mortality
Orphans Increase Due to AIDS Deaths
Corruption Thwarts Development
International Criminal Court Starts Work
Military Expenditures on the Rise
Resource Wars Plague Developing World
Notes