State of the World 2004: A Worldwatch Institute Report on Progress Toward a Sustainable Society

by Worldwatch Institute

• ISBN13: 9780393058604
• ISBN10: 0393058603
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-01-01
• Publisher: W W Norton & Co Inc

Summary

In State of the World 2004, the Worldwatch Institute's award-winning research team focuses on consumption, pointing to the many ways in which our consumption habits drive ecological and social deterioration, as well as how these habits can be redirected to reinforce environmental and social goals. As always, State of the World 2004 provides government officials, journalists, professors, students, and concerned citizens with a comprehensive analysis of the global environmental problems we face along with detailed descriptions of practical, innovative solutionslike charting the most environmentally sound path to a hydrogen-fueled economy, or accelerating the rapidly growing conversion of farmers worldwide to organic farming and sustainable agriculture. Written in clear and concise language, with easy-to-read charts and tables, State of the World 2004 presents a view of our changing world that we, and our leaders, cannot afford to ignore.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	vii
List of Boxes, Tables, and Figures	xii
Foreword	xv
Børge Brende
Preface	xvii
State of the World: A Year in Review	xxi
Lori Brown
The State of Consumption Today	3	(21)
Gary Gardner
Erik Assadourian
Radhika Sarin
Behind the Scenes: Plastic Bags	22	(2)
Making Better Energy Choices	24	(22)
Janet L. Sawin
Behind the Scenes: Computers	44	(2)
Boosting Water Productivity	46	(22)
Sandra Postel
Amy Vickers
Behind the Scenes: Antibacterial Soap
Watching What We Eat	68	(28)
Brian Halweil
Danielle Nierenberg
Behind the Scenes: Bottled Water, Chicken, Chocolate, Shrimp, Soda	86	(10)
Moving Toward a Less Consumptive Economy	96	(26)
Michael Renner
Behind the Scenes: Cell Phones	120	(2)
Purchasing for People and the Planet	122	(22)
Lisa Mastny
Behind the Scenes: Paper	142	(2)
Linking Globalization, Consumption, and Governance	144	(20)
Hilary French
Behind the Scenes: Cotton T-shirts	162	(2)
Rethinking the Good Life	164	(17)
Gary Gardner
Erik Assadourian
Notes	181	(54)
Index	235