State of the World

Abstract

The State of the World 1999 is the sixteenth edition of this annual review. This special millennial edition reviews the changes which have taken place over the last 100 years. The authors argue that a new economic model is needed, which is environmentally sustainable and that will permit economic progress to continue. The book is divided into ten chapters. The first chapter describes what a sustainable economy might look like. The next three chapters discuss the following issues, the need to change the energy system, the need to reduce materials use and the need to reduce wood consumption. Chapter five discusses the need for sustainable use of the oceans, and chapter six looks at the benefits of maintaining plant diversity. The challenges faced in feeding an increasing population, improving environmental conditions in cities and ending violent conflict are discussed in the next three chapters. The final chapter describes what policy measures might be needed to achieve a sustainable economy.