What we make and buy is a major indicator of society’s collective priorities. Among twenty-four key trends, Vital Signs Volume 22 explores significant global patterns in production and consumption. The result is a fascinating snapshot of how we invest our resources and the implications for the world’s well-being.
The book examines developments in six main areas: energy, environment and climate, transportation, food and agriculture, global economy and resources, and population and society. Readers will learn how aquaculture is making gains on wild fish catches, where high speed rail is accelerating, why plastic production is on the rise, who is escaping chronic hunger, and who is still suffering.
Researchers at the Worldwatch Institute not only provide the most up-to-date statistics, but put them in context. The analysis in Vital Signs teaches us both about our current priorities and how they could be shaped to create a better future.
Contents
PART I. Energy Trends Chapter 1. Global Consumption Keeps Rising, but Growth is Slowing Chapter 2. Wind Power Growth Still Surging Where Strongly Supported Chapter 3. Solar Power Installations Jump to a New Annual Total Chapter 4. Wind, Solar Generation Capacity Catching Up with Nuclear Power Chapter 5. Smart Grid Investment Grows with Widespread Smart Meter Installations Chapter 6. Global Energy and Carbon Intensity Continue to Decline Chapter 7. Shale Gas
PART II. Environment and Climate Trends Chapter 8. Greenhouse Gas Increases Are Leading to a Faster Rate of Global Warming Chapter 9. Global Populations at Risk as Sea Level Continues to Rise
PART III. Transportation Trends Chapter 10. Auto Production Sets New Record, Fleet Surpasses 1 Billion Mark Chapter 11. Passenger and Freight Rail Trends Mixed, High-Speed Rail
PART IV. Food and Agriculture Trends Chapter 12. Aquaculture Continues to Gain on Wild Fish Capture Chapter 13. Peak Meat Production Strains Land and Water Resources Chapter 14. Coffee Production Near Record Levels, Sustainable Share Rising Chapter 15. Cotton Production / Consumption Chapter 16. Genetically-Modified Crops Chapter 17. Food Trade and Self-Sufficiency
PART V. Global Economy and Resources Trends Chapter 18. Global Economy Inches Upward as Environmental and Social Concerns Mount Chapter 19. Commodity Prices Keep Slowing in 2013 but Still Strong Overall Chapter 20. Paper Production Levels Off Chapter 21. Global Plastic Production Rises, Recycling Lags
PART VI. Population and Society Trends Chapter 22. Will Population Growth End in this Century? Chapter 23. Jobs in Renewable Energy Expand in Turbulent Process Chapter 24. Chronic Hunger Falling, but One in Nine People Still Affected
