Vital Signs 1998

May 1998
ISBN: 0-393-31762-5
207 pages

Print Version$12.00Add to Cart

The new Vital Signs 1998 gives you more than 100 charts, graphs and tables that show you the worldwide trends that are changing our lives, for better and for worse. It includes the latest data on critical global trends, presented in simple but compelling graphics, along with concise, thoughtful analysis.

The global trends documented in the book--from spreading water scarcity to big increases in wind power--will play a large part in determining the quality of our lives and our children's lives in the next decade.

This seventh volume in the series from the Worldwatch Institute shows in graphic form the key trends that often escape the attention of the news media and world leaders--and are often ignored by economic experts as they plan for the future.

Vital Signs 1998 Table of Contents

PART ONE: Key Indicators


Food Trends

  • Grain Harvest Up Slightly
  • Soybean Production Jumps
  • World Meat Production Climbs
  • Fish Catch Hits a New High
  • Fish Catch Hits a New High
  • Aquaculture Growing Rapidly
  • Grain Stocks Remain Low

Agriculture Resource Trends

  • Grain Yeild Rises
  • Fertilizer Use Up
  • Irrigated Area Up Slightly

Energy Trends

  • Oil and Gas Use Reach New Highs
  • Coal Use Continues Rebound
  • Nuclear Power Steady
  • Hydroelectric Power Up SLightly
  • Wind Power Sets Records
  • Solar Cell Shipments Hit New High
  • Sales of Compact Flourescents Surge

Atmospheric Trends

  • Carbon Emmisions Resume Rise
  • Global Temperature Reaches Record High
  • CFC Production Continues to Plummet

Economic Trends

  • World Economy Contiues Rapid Expansion
  • Trade Remains Strong
  • Paper Production Remains High
  • Weather Damages
  • U.N. Finances Still Constrained

Transportation Trends

  • Automobile Production Sets Record
  • Motorbike Production Accelerating
  • Bicycle Production Declines

Communications Trends

  • Satellite Launches Rebound
  • Telephone Network Expands
  • Internet Use Grows Exponentially

Social Trends

  • Population Growth Continues
  • Refugee Flows Drop Steeply
  • HIV/AIDS Pandemic Far From Over
  • Urban Areas Swell
  • Cigarette Production Hits All-Time High

Military Trends

  • Military Expenditures Continue Decline
  • Armed Conflicts Diminish
  • U.N. Peacekeeping Contracts Further

PART TWO: Special Features


Environmental Features

  • Forest Decline Continues
  • Tree Plantations Taking Root
  • Vertebrates Signal Biodiversity Losses
  • Organic Waste Reuse Surging
  • Nitrogen Continues to Rise
  • Acid Rain Threats Vary

Economic Features

  • Private Capital Flows to Third World Slow
  • Taxation Shifting in Europe
  • Fossil Fuel Subsidies Falling
  • Paper Recycling Climbs Higher
  • Cigarette Taxes on the Rise
  • Metals Exploration Explodes in the South

Social Features

  • Female Education Gaining Ground
  • Sanitation Access Lagging

Military Features

  • Small Arms Proliferate