The Worldwatch Institute

State of the World 2013: Is Sustainability Still Possible published by Island Press is a collection of articles from experts in their fields on sustainability. It examines what is sustainability, where we are, and what needs to be done. Sustainability has almost become a meaningless term like “green” or “eco” when referring to SUVs or “all natural” when referring to heavily processed food sweetened with HFC.

This book is scary. Not scary in a fear mongering way, but in a way show more that when you read it you know its true: that certain feeling of dread. We are beyond the point of wondering if climate change is real and far beyond preventing it. We are beyond the point of slowing down production green house gases and hoping the planet will recover. The threshold has been crossed and the damage has been done and little is being done to control the damage. It took 200,000 years for human population to reach one billion; and 200 years for it to reach seven billion. Modernization of China and India and their desire to have the same standard of living as the West will create even more stress on the environment; if not cripple it. We live in a world where the wealthiest 10% of the population holds 57% of the worlds income and the top 11% of the population contribute 57% of the green house gasses.

The West, particularly the United States, has created an economy that cannot be sustained in the United States or the world. We may feel good about recycling or buying “green” but billions of dollars in advertising are telling Americans to buy more, buy newer, buy better products continuously. Your IPhone 4 isn't the best anymore; you need the IPhone 5. Buy, buy, buy, consume, consume, consume and Americans listen and obey. It's the American way, but in no way sustainable. Disaster awaits us when the rest of the world tries to do the same.

Energy and materials are a major problem for the future. A variety of renewable resources need to be developed. It will cost money, but then too our present system costs money too. U.S. tax payers spend $345 billion a year paying for pollution related illnesses from coal. Many countries are making progress with solar and wind energy. Drilling costs for oil is rising as well as costs for mining raw materials. Costs will continue to rise as raw materials become more scarce. As costs rise, even people in the developed world will feel the pinch.

Change is needed. We need to pressure our governments for change. That is a problem in rich democracies for several reasons. In the America so much of the political system is based on interests and lobbies. Our leaders listen to who gives them the money and the worst offenders seem to have more than their share of the money. Secondly, we have become selfish; something even more than selfish. I want to drive rather than bike or take public transportation or car pool; furthermore, I want to drive in a huge vehicle that gets 18mpg. People fight against bicycle lanes and even crosswalks. Cities will even prevent public transportation because it will attract undesirables (poor people). This, I fear, will cause governments and people to ignore the problem until it becomes a disaster and then everyone will wonder how could this have happened.

The book covers many areas and covers them well. The book goes beyond the greenhouse gas problem and fossil fuel. It covers fresh water, fishing, crops, population, and politics. It is very well written and very well documented. The book makes an interesting study of Vancouver and Cuba after the Soviet Union fell. State of the World 2013 is well thought out and well worth the read. It's an overdue wake-up call.



For the record, I am a strict vegetarian and do not drive a car. show less

There are many voices speaking out about climate change and its impact on our planet. There are many advocates for solutions through such approaches as renewable energy technologies, green building, and hybrid vehicles. Receiving less attention are those who question the cultural values from which the demand for energy arises. State of the World 2010 – Transforming Cultures takes on this challenge. It addresses the nature of consumerism and shows us how the unending need for more results show more in a reduced quality of life devoid of the dignity and richness of relationship that give meaning to human existence. It shows how highly paid marketing experts fuel the insatiable appetite for goods upon which the world economy is based and how the current measures of wellbeing, such as GNP, are inadequate indicators of quality of life. For these reasons, State of the World 2010 – Transforming Cultures, is a must read. Humans will never make choices that require us to sacrifice that upon which we believe our happiness is based. It is only when we come to realize that what we are seeking from our illimitable consumption fails to provide satisfaction that we will direct our attention to creating new models for living that lead to a more meaningful existence. This book inspired me to become involved in the project as a volunteer. show less

The WorldWatch Institute publishes an annual statistical review of the trends that are shaping our world and our future. Vital Signs 20 was released in December 2014 which puts it slightly out of date in WorldWatch terms, they have released Vital Signs 22 already. However, in terms of understanding the world today, it’s an invaluable reference.

Vital Signs 20 informs us of trends in energy production, agriculture production, economic development, and environmental protection. It’s not show more great news, but there are glimmers of hope, increasing production of alternative energy, more productive agriculture. China’s increased reliance on wind production for example. There are dangers, such as the increased dangers of water scarcity.

In a world full of propaganda and pseudoscience, WorldWatch Institute provides a valuable service, monitoring global trends that will determine our future and providing solid and reliable data from year to year. Vital Signs publications keeps our eyes on the global trends that matter the most. Moreover, since it is online, there is a constant, up-to-date reference for concerned citizens who are trying to find their way through a sea of disinformation, misinformation and junk science.

Vital Signs Online

I was provided an e-galley of Vital Signs 20 by Worldwatch Institute through NetGalley.

https://tonstantweaderreviews.wordpress.com/2016/05/10/vital-signs-by-worldwatch... show less

I've been reading the State of the World reports for a few years now, but this one was a disappointment. The contributions are scattered over more than 30 different topics, which is just too much. If the Worldwatch Institute can't analyse problems on a more general level, I won't bother reading their reports anymore.