PART ONE: Key Indicators

Food Trends

• Aquaculture Production Intensifies
• Grain Harvest Lagging Behind Demand
• Meat Production Hits Another High
• Cocoa Production Jumps
• Sugar and Sweetener Use Grows
• Irrigated Area Rises

Energy Trends

• Fossil Fuel Use Inches Up
• Nuclear Power Up Slightly
• Wind Energy Surges
• Solar Cell Use Rises Quickly
• Compact Fluorescents Set Record

Atmospheric Trends

• Global Temperature Close to a Record
• Carbon Emissions Reach New High
• CFC Use Declining

Economic Trends

• Economic Growth Falters
• Trade Slows
• Foreign Debt Falls in Dollar Term
• Metals Exploration Drops Sharply
• Metals Production Climbs
• Oil Spills Decline
• Roundwood Production Rebounds

PART TWO: Special Features

Environmental Features

• Farmland Quality Deteriorating
• Forest Loss Unchecked
• Freshwater Species at Increasing Risk
• Transboundary Parks Become Popular
• Semiconductors Have Hidden Costs
• Toxic Waste Largely Unseen
• Rio Treaties Post Some Success

Economy and Finance Features

• Foreign Aid Spending Falls
• Charitable Giving Widespread
• Cruise Industry Buoyant
• Ecolabeling Gains Ground
• Pesticide Sales Remain Strong

Resource Economics Features

• Biotech Industry Growing
• Appliance Efficiency Takes Off
• Water Stress Driving Grain Trade

Health Features

• Food-borne Illness Widespread
• Soda Consumption Grows
• Prevalence of Asthma Rising Sharply
• Mental Health Often Overlooked

Social Features

• Poverty Persists
• Car-Sharing Emerging
• Sprawling Cities Have Global Effects
• Teacher Shortages Hit Hard
• Women Subject to Violence
• Voter Participation Declines

Military Features

• Progress Against Landmines