Vital Signs 2012
The Trends that are Shaping Our Future
Just as people schedule regular check-ups with physicians, ourplanet needs regular check-ups to catch issues as early as possible,before they become more serious and harder to heal. That is themuch-needed service provided on a global scale by the WorldwatchInstitute in this new book, Vital Signs 2012.
By taking stock of global consumption, Vital Signs offersthe facts that need to guide our stewardship of the Earth’sresources – and some of these facts are shocking. The reportcovers topics from obesity to ecosystem services, from grain productionto nuclear power. Taken as a whole, it paints a picture of skyrocketingpopulation, disappearing forests, and increasing consumption pepperedwith bright spots like growing investment in high-speed trains andother efficient transportation systems.
Vital Signs 2012 is based on Worldwatch’s onlineproject of the same name, which provides up-to-date figures onimportant global concerns, as well as the Institute’s ownadditional research. The book compiles the most important of these intoan accessible, informative resource for policymakers and anyone whowants a realistic look at the state of our planet.
