State of the World 1985

January 1985
ISBN: 0-393-30218-0
301 pages

This is the second in an annual series of reports that measures worldwide progress in achieving sustainability - the extent to which our economic and social systems are successfully adjusting to changes in the underlying natural resource base.

Former Worldwatch Institute president Lester Brown says: "Observers generally agree on the principal actions needed to put society on a sustainable footing, such as stabilizing population, conserving oil, and developing renewable energy sources. But confusion persists over how well the world is doing in meeting these goals. This progress report is designed to provide two things policy makers now lack. First is a sense of direction, showing where we have made important gains and where we are falling behind. Second is a set of guidelines to evaluate policy options and budgetary priorities."

This report focuses on, among other key topics, population-induced climate change; the emerging scarcity of fresh water; advances in renewable energy, including hydropower, solar collectors, and alcohol fuels; aquacultural expansion; and the potential economic and environmental benefits of boosting energy efficiency.

1986-00-00 | State of the World 1986 |

"The collective actions of a world population approaching 5 billion now appear capable of causing continental and even global changes in natural systems," writes former Worldwatch Institute president, Lester R. Brown. "Our security and well-being may be threatened less by the conflicts among nations than by the deteriorating relationship between ourselves and the natural systems and resources that sustain us."