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

State of the World

by The Worldwatch Institute, Erik Assadourian, Gary Gardner

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 solutions—like 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.

Genres: Nonfiction

276 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Peter]

Theme is consumption this year. Details how the most important change we can make is not in the technologies we use but in ridding ourselves of the culture of consumption. Countries that have largely removed themselves from this culture, while having lower GDPs, have been shown to have happier populations.

[Ke]

This book opened my eyes to the issue of consumerism. It especially influenced my dietary choices.