Vital Signs 2002-2003: The Trends That Are Shaping Our Future

This annual volume gives prominence to key trends by distilling the 45 “”vital signs”” of our times from thousands of governmental, industrial and scientific sources. It allows readers to track key indicators that show our social, economic and environmental progress, or lack of it. The first part of the book offers a comprehensive presentation of the key indicators in areas such as food, agriculture, energy, atmosphere, economics, transport, health, society and the military. The second part provides in-depth articles on environment (alternative water sources, oil spills, forest cover, economy and finance (ecolabelling and charitable giving), communications (mobile phones, semiconductor production) and social features (including shortage of teachers, gender-based violence and urban sprawl).