In a world where the need for seafood and grain for the 90 million people being added each year is being satisfied in part by reducing consumption among those already here, the world has little choice but to try and quickly slow population growth. Historically, farmers and fishermen bore the primary responsibility for balancing supply and demand. Now with the fish catch no longer expanding and with the growth in grain production slowing, the principal responsibility rests with the family planners.

We have taken for granted seemingly endless supplies of water flowing from reservoirs wells, and diversion projects; access to water has been key to food security, industrialization, and the growth of cities. In this book from the Worldwatch Institute, Sandra Postel explains that decades of profligacy and mismanagement of the world's water resources have produced signs of shortages and environmental destruction. She writes with authority and clarity of the limits-ecological, economic, and political-of this vital natural resource. She explores the potential for conflict over water between...

With the exception of a few spectacular invasions, like the zebra mussel's conquest of the Great Lakes, there has been little public recognition of the dangers posed by these invading species. But exotic species are injuring our biological wealth on virtually every level -- from the genetic (when exotics interbreed with native species) to the wholesale transformation of landscapes Life Out of Bounds shows that this "biological pollution" is now beginning to corrode the world's economies as well. But the policy responses, on both the national and international levels, have usually...

Written in clear and concise language, with easy-to-read charts and tables, State of the World 2007 presents a view of our changing world that we, and our leaders, cannot afford to ignore.

Mining is fundamental to our lives - we wear and travel in; build, cook and communicate with its products daily. However, it is also one of the most environmentally damaging industries. This study examines how such a huge and multi-facetted industry can be made sustainable, minimizing its harmful impacts and maximizing its social and economic contribution. It analyses the different needs and risks of those affected, as well as issues of supply and demand of minerals throughout the world.

The newest volume in the annual series that has become the bible of the global environmental movement--and indispensable for anyone concerned with the future of our world. State of the World 2000 provides national leaders and concerned citizens with a comprehensive framework for the global debate about our future in the new century. This annual survey by the award-winning Worldwatch Institute has become an invaluable analysis of negative environmental trends and a guide to emerging solutions. The book shows how our current fossil-fueled, auto-centered, throwaway economy is steadily destroying...

This annual volume from Brown and the Worldwatch Institute concisely presents the good news, the bad news, and some surprises about the health of our planet and civilization. Worldwatch's award-winning researchers have culled information from around the globe to come up with key indicators that best track change in the environmental, economic, and social health of the world. Graphs & tables.