Warming up of the atmosphere since the beginning of 1900*: (Celsius degree)
The increase is mainly due to the greenhouse effect. Greenhouse gases like CO2 are hindering the exit of thermal radiation out of the atmosphere and as a consequence the temperature is rising.
CO2 emission since beginning of 1999: tons
*Estimation. Sources: Hadley-Center, CDIAC
Still very few things are happening to avoid the cutting especially of tropical forests. The burning of huge quantities of forests is going on. The gained soil is only covered by a thin humus layer and a few years later, the new fields are infertile. The worlds forest area is correspondingly falling.
Actually there are hectares of forest in the world
Most of the destroyed forests are in developing countries.
Forest area in developing countries: hectares
In industrial countries the development has been stopped and there is even a small increase of forest area.
Forest area in industrial countries: hectares
The situation remains dramatical. The burning foresta are charging the atmosphere with CO2 and contribute fatally to the greenhouse effect.
balance: Since the beginning of 1999 hectares of forest have been destroyed.
Source: "Der Fischer Weltalmanach 1999", p. 1200 ff.
Water consuption increases with industrialization. There is enough water over all but there might be local shortfalls of supply. There is for instance a huge lack of water in Mexico City with its 15 million habitants.
Worldwide water consuption since the beginning of 1999: tons
Dividing this value by the actual world population gives a amazing value. The tremendous water comsumption is mainly due to the industry.
Water comsumption per head since the 1.1.1999: liters.
Source: USCSD, "Der Fischer Weltalmanach 1999"
