Population
World population passed 6 billion in 2000, up from 2.5 billion in 1950. It is projected to grow to 8 billion in 2025, 9.3 billion in 2050, and eventually to stabilize at 10.5-11 billion. Almost all growth will occur in the developing world. The world will need to feed 5 billion more people, which combined with higher standards of living, will put enormous strains on land, water, energy and other natural resources. The average number of children for families in developing countries is down from over six in 1970 to fewer than three now.

Poverty & Inequality
Hunger is slowly declining in most developing countries, and income poverty is slowly declining in Asia and Latin America (remaining constant in Africa). The degree of inequality between rich and poor is not getting better, and this is a deterrent to reduction of poverty. There are still 1.2 billion people who subsist on less than $1 per day.

Food & Agriculture
Food consumption per capita is increasing substantially around the world (both developed and developing countries), measured in calories. Food production is increasing, but continued increase is limited by available land and water, especially in Asia. Developing countries in general have food deficits now where they recently had surpluses. The greatest threat to forests, wetlands, mountains and biodiversity in developing countries is now seen to be the expansion of agricultural land to meet growing demand.

Water
Water use is growing over twice the rate that population is growing. 70% of water is used for agriculture. Development increases water use and hence water scarcity. Worldwide, half of all wetlands have been lost, and more than 20% of the 10,000 known freshwater species are extinct or threatened. By 2025, nearly half the world's population will experience water shortages, and it is projected that wars will increasingly be fought over water.

Forests
The world's forests continue to shrink. The highest rate of decline is in Africa, followed by Latin America. Almost all of the decline is in tropical areas, which contain about half of all remaining forests. Expansion of agriculture is by far the main cause of deforestation. The loss of forests is lowering water quality and causing floods. About 10% of tree species are at risk of extinction.
Energy
Consumption of all types of energy is growing, the largest increase being fossil fuels. Biomass (from burning wood and animal dung) is used as the primary energy source in many developing countries, but this causes a carbon air pollution and health problems (although new burning techniques are helping). Renewable energy sources (mostly hydroelectric) account for 4-5% of the world's energy, and potentially much more. Solar and wind power currently account for only .04% of the total.

Climate Change
Fossil fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions continue to grow, especially in Asia and the US. The level of said consumption and emissions per capita is 10 times higher in the US than in the developing countries, and twice as high as in Europe. There are many signs of climate change, such as rising temperature (2 degrees F.), rising ocean levels, 40% melting of Arctic ice, and changing weather patterns including more intense droughts and more intense storms. Insurance payments from storm damage has increased from $2 billion per year in the 80's to $30 billion in the 90's.

Health
Most deaths in the least developed countries are readily preventable. These deaths-often in childhood-are primarily due to communicable, environment-related diseases. Most common of these are due to lack of clean water and sanitation. Over one billion people still lack access to safe water, and 2.5 billion lack adequate sanitation facilities. The great majority live in rural Africa and Asia. Slow progress is being made in terms of reducing the percentage of people without access to water and sanitation.