Contents Notes |
Energy trends : Oil market resumes growth after stumble in 2009 ; Global natural gas consumption regains momentum ; Nuclear generation capacity falls ; Gobal wind power growth takes a breather in 2010 ; Another record year for solar power, but clouds on the horizon ; Biofuels regain momentum ; Global hydropower installed capacity and use increase ; Energy poverty remains a global challenge for the future -- Transportation trends : Auto industry stages comeback from near-death experience ; High-speed rail networks expand -- Environment and climate trends : Carbon markets struggle to maintain momentum ; Carbon capture and storage attracts government attention -- Food and agriculture trends : World grain production down in 2010, but recovering ; Organic agriculture sustained through economic crisis ; Sugar production dips ; Fish production from aquaculture rises while marine fish stocks continue to decline ; Meat production and consumption continue to grow -- Global economy and resources trends : World's forests continue to fall as demand for food and land goes up ; Tropical forests push payments for ecosystem services onto the global stage ; Value of fossil fuel subsidies declines, national bans emerging ; Energy intensity is rising slightly -- Population and society trends : World labor force growing at divergent rates ; Women slowly close gender gap with men ; Numbers of overweight on the rise. "From organic farming to high-speed rail to wind power, Vital Signs 2012 documents, analyzes, and illustrates with clear tables and graphs 24 key trends that are shaping our future. This nineteenth volume of the Worldwatch Institute series demonstrates that despite a number of positive developments, more work is needed to get the planet on a more-sustainable track. Vital Signs 2012 tracks developments in the environment, agriculture, energy, society, and the economy to inform and inspire the changes needed to build a sustainable world."--Book cover p.[4]. |