The second of a series of annual reports designed to provide a global assessment of progress toward a sustainable society, this publication monitors changes in the global resource base (land, water, energy, and biological support systems), focusing particularly on how these changes affect the economy. Included in the report are news on innovative or particularly successful technical developments; a look at global economic conditions that policy makers often overlook; a review of national policies and programs, including progress toward specific national goals; and a survey of major financial commitments by governments and international development agencies. Following an overview, content is divided into 10 chapters: "A False Sense of Security" (Lester R. Brown), "Reducing Hunger" (Lester R. Brown), "Managing Freshwater Supplies" (Sandra Postel), "Maintaining World Fisheries" (Lester R. Brown), "Protecting Forests from Air Pollution and Acid Rain" (Sandra Postel), "Conserving Biological Diversity" (Edward C. Wolf), "Increasing Energy Efficiency" (William U. Chandler), "Harnessing Renewable Energy (Christopher Flavin and Cynthia Pollock), "Stopping Population Growth" (Lester R. Brown), and "Getting Back on the Track" (Lester R. Brown and Edward C. Wolf). A list of tables and figures, extensive endnotes, and an index are included. (LH)