ABSTRACT

The environmentalist's bible' Times Higher Education Supplement. 'Essential reading' The Good Book Guide. 'The most comprehensive, up-to-date, and accessible summaries ... on the global environment' E. O. Wilson, Pulitzer Prize winner. Celebrating its 25th year of publication, State of the World 2008 suggests that something huge and even revolutionary is struggling to be born as policymakers, business leaders and others around the globe create the architecture of sustainable economies. Featuring chapters on renewable energy, innovations in clean production, commons resources, trade policy, finance for sustainability, new economic yardsticks, and many other topics, State of the World 2008 is the first global-level publication to showcase a wide range of diverse innovations and to demonstrate their near-term potential to put whole societies on a sustainable path. Published annually in 28 languages, State of the World is relied upon by national governments, UN agencies, development workers and law-makers for its authoritative and up-to-the-minute analysis and information. It is essential for anyone concerned with building a positive, global future.

chapter 1|15 pages

Seeding the Sustainable Economy

ByGary Gardner, Thomas Prugh

chapter 2|14 pages

A New Bottom Line for Progress

ByJohn Talberth

chapter 3|13 pages

Rethinking Production

ByL. Hunter Lovins

chapter 4|16 pages

The Challenge of Sustainable Lifestyles

ByTim Jackson

chapter 5|14 pages

Meat and Seafood

The Global Diet's Most Costly Ingredients
ByBrian Halweil, Danielle Nierenberg

chapter 6|16 pages

Building a Low-Carbon Economy

ByChristopher Flavin

part |47 pages

Special Section: Paying for Nature's Services

chapter 7|16 pages

Improving Carbon Markets

ByZoë Chafe, Hilary French

chapter 8|16 pages

Water in a Sustainable Economy

ByGer Bergkamp, Claudia W. Sadoff

chapter 9|15 pages

Banking on Biodiversity

ByRicardo Bayon

chapter 10|13 pages

The Parallel Economy of the Commons

ByJonathan Rowe

chapter 11|15 pages

Engaging Communities for a Sustainable World

ByErik Assadourian

chapter 12|14 pages

Mobilizing Human Energy

ByJason S. Calder

chapter 13|16 pages

Investing for Sustainability

ByBill Baue

chapter 14|14 pages

New Approaches to Trade Governance

ByMark Halle