Download or read book The State of the World s Cities 2004 2005 written by and published by UN-HABITAT. This book was released on 2004 with total page 217 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As towns and cities expand at unprecedented rates, sustainable urban development is one of the most pressing challenges facing the international community in the 21st century. This publication examines the realities faced by urban populations around the world, focusing on the impact of globalisation and the way cities are governed and planned, on the make-up and density of their population, and on their cultures and economies. Issues considered include: the impact of globalisation on urban culture; urban renewal and cultural strategies; the concept of metropolitanization; socio-economic and cultural impacts of international migration; urban poverty and homelessness, social inequality and exclusion; urban governance, safety and crime trends; contemporary planning strategies and the role of civil society; progress towards attainment of the Millennium Development Goals targets for sanitation and housing. The report highlights the need for a new culture of planning to establish multicultural and inclusive cities, involving civil society as well as public authorities.
Download or read book State of the World 2005 written by Michael Renner and published by W. W. Norton & Company. This book was released on 2005 with total page 282 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Tackles the pressing issue of international security and its ramifications on the health of our planet.
Download or read book State of the World 2006 written by Worldwatch Institute and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2010-09-23 with total page 273 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 'The environmentalist's bible' Times Higher Education Supplement. 'Essential reading' The Good Book Guide. In this 23rd edition of State of the World - long established as the most authoritative and accessible annual guide to our progress towards a sustainable future - the studies pay particular attention to China and India, two of the world's most rapidly developing countries in terms of industry, population and significance to the global economy, and associated impacts on the environment. Published in 27 countries and 22 languages, State of the World draws on the breadth of expertise in the Worldwatch Institute's team of writers and researchers. Each year's edition of State of the World is relied upon by national governments, UN agencies, development workers and law-makers for its up-to-the-minute analysis and information. It is essential for anyone concerned with building a positive, global future. This year's edition covers: China, India and the new world order; rethinking the global meat industry; safeguarding freshwater ecosystems; cultivating renewable alternatives to oil; an introduction to nanotechnology; curtailing mercury's global reach; turning disasters into peacemaking opportunities; reconciling trade and sustainable development; building a green civil society in China; and, transforming corporations.
Download or read book State of the World 2010 written by Worldwatch Institute and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-07-04 with total page 426 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Many of the environmental and social problems we face today are symptoms of a deeper systemic failing: a dominant cultural paradigm that encourages living in ways that are often directly counter to the realities of a finite planet. This paradigm, typically referred to as 'consumerism,' has already spread to cultures around the world and has led to consumption levels that are vastly unsustainable. If this pattern spreads further there will be little possibility of solving climate change or other environmental problems that are poised to dramatically disrupt human civilization. It will take a sustained, long-term effort to redirect the traditions, social movements and institutions that shape consumer cultures towards becoming cultures of sustainability. These institutions include schools, the media, businesses and governments. Bringing about a cultural shift that makes living sustainably as 'natural' as a consumer lifestyle is today will not only address urgent crises like climate change, it could also tackle other symptoms like extreme income inequity, obesity and social isolation that are not typically seen as environmental problems. State of the World 2010 paints a picture of what this sustainability culture could look like, and how we can - and already are - making the shift.
Download or read book The Improving State of the World written by Indur M. Goklany and published by Cato Institute. This book was released on 2007-01-19 with total page 531 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Many people believe that globalization and its key components have made matters worse for humanity and the environment. Indur M. Goklany exposes this as a complete myth and challenges people to consider how much worse the world would be without them. Goklany confronts foes of globalization and demonstrates that economic growth, technological change and free trade helped to power a “cycle of progress” that in the last two centuries enabled unprecedented improvements in every objective measurement of human well-being. His analysis is accompanied by an extensive range of charts, historical data, and statistics. The Improving State of the World represents an important contribution to the environment versus development debate and collects in one volume for the first time the long-term trends in a broad array of the most significant indicators of human and environmental well-being, and their dependence on economic development and technological change. While noting that the record is more complicated on the environmental front, the author shows how innovation, increased affluence and key institutions have combined to address environmental degradation. The author notes that the early stages of development can indeed cause environmental problems, but additional development creates greater wealth allowing societies to create and afford cleaner technologies. Development becomes the solution rather than the problem.
Download or read book State of the World s Oceans written by Michelle Allsopp and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2008-12-16 with total page 262 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The world’s oceans cover 70% of the earth’s surface and are home to a myriad of amazing and beautiful creatures. However, the biodiversity of the oceans is incre- ingly coming under serious threat from many human activities including overfi- ing, use of destructive fishing methods, pollution and commercial aquaculture. In addition, climate change is already having an impact on some marine ecosystems. This book discusses some of the major threats facing marine ecosystems by cons- ering a range of topics, under chapters discussing biodiversity (Chapter 1), fisheries (Chapter 2), aquaculture (Chapter 3), pollution (Chapter 4) and the impacts of increasing greenhouse gas emissions (Chapter 5). It goes on to explore solutions to the problems by discussing equitable and sustainable management of the oceans (Chapter 6) and protecting marine ecosystems using marine reserves (Chapter 7). Presently, 76% of the oceans are fully or over-exploited with respect to fishing, and many species have been severely depleted. It is abundantly clear that, in general, current fisheries management regimes are to blame for much of the widespread degradation of the oceans. Many policy-makers and scientists now agree that we must adopt a radical new approach to managing the seas – one that is precautionary in nature and has protection of the whole marine ecosystem as its primary objective. This ‘ecosystem-based approach’ is vital if we are to ensure the health of our oceans for future generations.
Download or read book State of Fear written by Michael Crichton and published by Harper Collins. This book was released on 2009-10-13 with total page 817 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: New York Times bestselling author Michael Crichton delivers another action-packed techo-thriller in State of Fear. When a group of eco-terrorists engage in a global conspiracy to generate weather-related natural disasters, its up to environmental lawyer Peter Evans and his team to uncover the subterfuge. From Tokyo to Los Angeles, from Antarctica to the Solomon Islands, Michael Crichton mixes cutting edge science and action-packed adventure, leading readers on an edge-of-your-seat ride while offering up a thought-provoking commentary on the issue of global warming. A deftly-crafted novel, in true Crichton style, State of Fear is an exciting, stunning tale that not only entertains and educates, but will make you think.
Download or read book Freedom in the World 2004 written by Aili Piano and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2004 with total page 756 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Freedom in the World contains both comparative ratings and written narratives and is now the standard reference work for measuring the progress and decline in political rights and civil liberties on a global basis.
Download or read book The State of the World s Children 2006 written by UNICEF. and published by UNICEF. This book was released on 2005 with total page 156 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The 2006 edition of UNICEF's annual report focuses on the millions of children who are most in need of access to essential education, health and protection services, but who are also the hardest to reach and often overlooked by current development programmes. These include children living in the poorest countries and most deprived communities within countries, children who face discrimination on the basis of gender, ethnicity or disability, children caught up in armed conflicts or affected by HIV/AIDS, children who lack a formal identity and who suffer from abuse and exploitation. The report examines the factors which result in their exclusion from current child development programmes and services, and highlights the policy options and actions required to address these challenges, in order to ensure all children benefit from the progress being made to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. Topics discussed include: income disparities and child survival, the marginalisation of Roma communities and their children, disability issues, children and HIV/AIDS, children living on the streets, early marriages, child labour, child protection and child rights.
Download or read book State of the World s Cities 2010 11 written by Un-Habitat and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2010-08-12 with total page 242 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The world's urban population now exceeds the world's rural population. What does this mean for the state of our cities, given the strain this global demographic shift is placing upon current urban infrastructures? Following on from previous State of the World's Cities reports, this edition uses the framework of 'The Urban Divide' to analyse the complex social, political, economic and cultural dynamics of urban environments. In particular, the book focuses on the concept of the 'right to the city' and ways in which many urban dwellers are excluded from the advantages of city life, using the framework to explore links among poverty, inequality, slum formation and economic growth. The volume will be essential reading for all professionals and policymakers in the field, as well as a valuable resource for researchers and students in all aspects of urban development. Published with UN-Habitat.
Download or read book State of the World 2005 written by Worldwatch Institute and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2017-07-28 with total page 588 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: State of the World 2005 takes a new and deeper look at the theme that has dominated international politics since 9/11: security. Not the armed conflicts that occur when it breaks down, but the underlying social, economic and environmental pressures which determine how threatened and vulnerable people feel. These include food, water, other natural resources, exposure to environmental change and health threats. Without equitable and sustainable management of these conditions, lasting security cannot be achieved. The result is a fascinating and illuminating volume that offers a new definition of security and the means to achieve it. [Published annually in 28 languages, each edition draws on the breadth of expertise of the Worldwatch Institute's team of writers and researchers. 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.]
Download or read book The State of the World s Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture written by Barbara Rischkowsky and published by Food & Agriculture Org.. This book was released on 2007 with total page 554 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sustainable management of the world's livestock genetic diversity is of vital importance to agriculture, food production, rural development and the environment. "The State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture" is the first global assessment of these resources. Drawing on 169 Country Reports, contributions from a number of international organizations and 12 specially commissioned thematic studies, it presents an analysis of the state of agricultural biodiversity in the livestock sector - origins and development, uses and values, distribution and exchange, risk status and threats - and of capacity to manage these resources - institutions, policies and legal frameworks, structured breeding activities and conservation programmes. Needs and challenges are assessed in the context of the forces driving change in livestock production systems. Tools and methods to enhance the use and development of animal genetic resources are explored in sections on the state of the art in characterization, genetic improvement, economic evaluation and conservation. The main findings of the report are summarized in "The State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture - in brief," of which the Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish versions can be found on the attached CD-ROM and are also available separately in printed form. As well providing a technical reference document, the country-based preparation of "The State of the World" has led to a process of policy development and a "Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources," which once adopted, will provide an agenda for action by the international community. Published also in French.
Download or read book State of the World s Cities 2008 9 written by Un-Habitat and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2012-05-04 with total page 281 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Cities are perhaps one of humanity's most complex creations, never finished, never definitive. They are like a journey that never ends. Their evolution is determined by their ascent into greatness or their descent into decline. They are the past, the present and the future. Cities contain both order and chaos. In them reside beauty and ugliness, virtue and vice. They can bring out the best or the worst in humankind. They are the physical manifestation of history and culture and incubators of innovation, industry, technology, entrepreneurship and creativity. Cities are the materialization of humanity's noblest ideas, ambitions and aspirations but when not planned or governed properly, can be the repository of society's ills. Cities drive national economies by creating wealth, enhancing social development and providing employment but they can also be the breeding grounds for poverty, exclusion and environmental degradation. The 21st Century is the Century of the City. Half of humanity now lives in cities, and within the next two decades, 60 per cent of the world's people will reside in urban areas. How can city planners and policymakers harmonize the various interests, diversity and inherent contradictions within cities? What ingredients are needed to create harmony between the physical, social, environmental and cultural aspects of a city and the human beings that inhabit it? This report adopts the concept of Harmonious Cities as a theoretical framework in order to understand today's urban world, and also as an operational tool to confront the most important challenges facing urban areas and their development processes. It recognizes that tolerance, diversity, social justice and good governance, all of which are inter-related, are as important to sustainable urban development as physical planning. It addresses national concerns by searching for solutions at the city level. For that purpose, it focuses on three key areas: spatial or regional harmony, which examines the main drivers of urban growth in the developing world and explores the spatial nuances of economic and social policies; social harmony, which presents and analyzes new data on urban inequalities worldwide and describes the types of shelter deprivations experienced by slum dwellers in developing world regions; and environmental harmony, which examines the role of cities in the climate change debate, and the impact of global warming on the most vulnerable cities. The report also assesses the various intangible assets within cities that contribute to harmony, such as cultural heritage, sense of place and memory and the complex set of social and symbolic relationships that give cities meaning. It argues that these intangible assets represent the soul of the city and are as important for harmonious urban development as tangible assets. Harmony within cities, argues the report, is both a journey and a destination. Published with UN-HABITAT
Download or read book State of the World 2012 written by The The Worldwatch Institute and published by Island Press. This book was released on 2012-04-15 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the 2012 edition of its flagship report, Worldwatch celebrates the twentieth anniversary of the 1992 Earth Summit with a far-reaching analysis of progress toward building sustainable economies. Written in clear language with easy-to-read charts, State of the World 2012 offers a new perspective on what changes and policies will be necessary to make sustainability a permanent feature of the world's economies. The Worldwatch Institute has been named one of the top three environmental think tanks in the world by the University of Pennsylvania's Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program.
Download or read book The State of the World s Children 2008 written by UNICEF. and published by UNICEF. This book was released on 2007 with total page 164 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The 2008 report examines the state of child survival and primary health care for children, with a strong emphasis on trends in child mortality.
Download or read book State of the World s Forests 2005 written by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and published by Food & Agriculture Org.. This book was released on 2005 with total page 164 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is the sixth edition of the biennial report on the current state of global forest resources and recent developments and emerging issues in the forest sector. It includes contributions from key non-governmental organisations and from individuals, as well as articles written by FAO staff. This edition focuses on options for sustainable forestry management to maximise the sector's economic viability, and issues discussed include forest resources, conservation aspects, institutional issues and legal frameworks, international policy developments, the economic benefits of agroforestry, wood energy production, import tariffs and non-tariff measures, and the impact of violent conflicts on forest resources.
Download or read book State of the World s Cities 2010 2011 written by and published by Earthscan. This book was released on 2010 with total page 241 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: One billion people worldwide live in slums and that figure is predicted to reach 2 billion by 2030. This new volume from UN-HABITAT unpacks the complex social and economic issues using the novel conceptual framework of the urban divide.
