Citizens expect their governments to lead on sustainability. But from largely disappointing international conferences like Rio II to the U.S.s failure to pass meaningful climate legislation, governments progress has been lackluster. Thats not to say leadership is absent; it just often comes from the bottom up rather than the top down. Actionon climate, species loss, inequity, and other sustainability crisesis being driven by local, peoples, womens, and grassroots movements around the world, often in opposition to the agendas pursued by governments and big corporations. These diverse efforts are the subject of the latest volume in the Worldwatch Institutes highly regarded State of the World series. The 2014 edition, marking the Institutes 40th anniversary, examines both barriers to responsible political and economic governance as well as gridlock-shattering new ideas. The authors analyze a variety of trends and proposals, including regional and local climate initiatives, the rise of benefit corporations and worker-owned firms, the need for energy democracy, the Internets impact on sustainability, and the importance of eco-literacy. A consistent thread throughout the book is that informed and engaged citizens are key to better governance. The book is a clear-eyed yet ultimately optimistic assessment of citizens ability to govern for sustainability. By highlighting both obstacles and opportunities, State of the World 2014 shows how to effect change within and beyond the halls of government. This volume will be especially useful for policymakers, environmental nonprofits, students of environmental studies, sustainability, or economicsand citizens looking to jumpstart significant change around the world.

"In 'State of the World 2013: Is Sustainability Still Possible?', experts define clear sustainability metrics and examine various policies and perspectives, including geoengineering, corporate transformation, and changes in agricultural policy, that could put us on the path to prosperity without diminishing the well-being of future generations. If these approaches fall short, the final chapters explore ways to prepare for drastic environmental change and resource depletion, such as strengthening democracy and societal resilience, protecting cultural heritage, and dealing with increased conflict and migration flows"--Provided by publisher.