This annual volume from the Worldwatch Institute shows in graphic form the key trends that often escape the attention of the news media and world leaders--and that are often ignored by economic experts as they plan for the future. Written by the staff of the award-winning Worldwatch Institute, this book lets readers track key indicators that show social, economic, and environmental progress, or the lack of it. This authoritative data has been distilled from thousands of documents obtained from government, industry, scientists, and international organizations into forty-five "vital signs" of our times. Vital Signs 1998 presents up-to-the-minute information on such environmental and sustainable development topics as global temperature, population growth, fossil fuel use, grain production, and fish catch. Each trend is presented in both text and graphics, providing a thorough, well-documented, and very accessible overview. Vital Signs is an excellent companion volume to Worldwatch's highly acclaimed State of the World series.