Contents
Acknowledgments
Preface
Part I. Key Indicators
Food and Agricultural Trends
Grain Harvest Flat
Meat Consumption and Output Up
Fish Harvest Stable But Threatened
Pesticide Trade Shows New Market Trends
Energy and Climate Trends
Fossil Fuel Use Continues to Grow
Nuclear Power Inches Up
Wind Power Blowing Strong
Solar Industry Stays Hot
Biofuels Hit a Gusher
Climate Change Impacts Rise
Hydropower Rebounds Slightly
Energy Productivity Gains Slow
Economic Trends
Global Economy Grows Again
Advertising Spending Sets Another Record
Steel Output Up But Price Drops
Aluminum Production Increases Steadily
Roundwood Production Hits a New Peak
Transportation andCommunication Trends
Vehicle Production Continues to Expand
Bicycle Production Up
Air Travel Takes Off Again
Internet and Cell Phone Use Soar
Health and Social Trends
Population Continues to Grow
HIV/AIDS Threatens Development
Infant Mortality Rate Falls Again
Conflict and Peace Trends
Number of Violent Conflicts Drops
Military Expenditures Keep Growing
Peacekeeping Expenditures Set New Record
Part II. Special Features
Environment Features
Global Ecosystems Under More Stress
Coral Reef Losses Increasing
Birds Remain Threatened
Plant Diversity Endangered
Disappearing Mangroves Leave Coasts at Risk
Deforestation Continues
Groundwater Overdraft Problem Persists
Reducing Mercury Pollution
Economy and Social Features
Regional Disparities in Quality of Life Persist Peter
Language Diversity Declining
Slums Grow as Urban Poverty Escalates
Action Needed on Water and Sanitation
Car-sharing Continues to Gain Momentum
Obesity Reaches Epidemic Levels
Corporate Responsibility Reports Take Root
Nanotechnology Takes Off
Notes
The Vital Signs Series