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 2|14 pages

A New Bottom Line for Progress

chapter 3|13 pages

Rethinking Production

chapter 5|14 pages

Meat and Seafood

The Global Diet's Most Costly Ingredients

chapter 6|16 pages

Building a Low-Carbon Economy

part |47 pages

Special Section: Paying for Nature's Services

chapter 7|16 pages

Improving Carbon Markets

chapter 9|15 pages

Banking on Biodiversity

chapter 10|13 pages

The Parallel Economy of the Commons

chapter 12|14 pages

Mobilizing Human Energy

chapter 13|16 pages

Investing for Sustainability

chapter 14|14 pages

New Approaches to Trade Governance