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SOCIETY is defined by GSReport as the sum and product of all efforts to organize and govern human existence, both individually and collectively, including historical records of, and artistic reflections upon, the human experience. Society includes all the products, events and trends of politics, economics, fine arts, popular culture, individual and mass psychology, human conflict, and religion (see also Cosmos). Science and Technology are aspects of Society as well; but because of their exceptional role in the modern world, GSReport treats them separately (See SciTech). The Economic Boom: How Big, How Broad, How Long? (2/10/00) In February 2000, the current U.S. economic expansion became the longest in history, but some forecasters think it still has a very long way to go. A Vision of a Coming Age of Prosperity (1/25/00) In 'The Long Boom,' author Peter Schwartz and colleagues argue that economic and social conditions could get steadily better for the majority of Earth's people in the years ahead. Information Economy Boom Obscuring Earth's Decline (1/25/00) The Worldwatch Institute warned in its annual 'State of the World' report for the year 2000 that good economic news was deflecting public attention from grave environmental problems. Y2K's Gentle Arrival Surprises Many Analysts (01/10/00) Y2K came in like a lamb as New Year's Day dawned almost free of problems around the world. Even optimists seemed pleasantly surprised. Snapshots From the 'Battle of Seattle' (12/10/99) The WTO Conference in Seattle was met by massive protests, signifying that many people around the world do not believe trade should take precedence over human rights and the environment. Y2K Update: U.S. Navy Report Overplayed, But Many Y2K Problems Loom (8/25/99) Dire Y2K predictions in a recent U.S. Navy report are 'worst-case,' not 'probable,' Navy spokesmen say; but U.S. businesses are falling behind in Y2K preparation, and global recession seems increasingly likely. Famine Threatens Much of Africa But Eases in N. Korea (8/25/99) A new report from the FAO says that several nations of north and central Africa face imminent danger of famine, with millions of lives at risk. Energy: Can World Meet Demand of Next 50 Years? (8/10/99) The demand for energy will increase by at least 50% over current levels during the next 50 years, raising grave concerns over how so much energy can be produced without enormous environmental damage. Water Shortages Threaten Food Supplies and Peace (7/25/99) In much of the world, producing adequate supplies of food increasingly depends upon unsustainable levels of irrigation. Methods exist to use available water much more efficiently, but time is running short. China-Taiwan Rift Could Provoke Global Crisis (7/25/99) Taiwan's recent dramatic shift away from a long-standing 'one China' policy prompted threats of armed retaliation by Beijing and got almost no support from the West. Cities Hold Key to Winning Environmental Battle (7/10/99) The growth of cities is greatly outpacing the growth of human population. Cities now account for the bulk of carbon emissions, water consumption and other key aspects of human impact upon the planet. Russia Slowly Rebounds; West Remains Wary (7/10/99) In Russia, a nation cursed by misfortune, things are finally starting to look up. But Russia's situation remains dire; political instability looms, and Yeltsin's reforms are threatened by reactionary forces. China's Threat to the U.S. Should Not Be Overblown (6/10/99) Conservative U.S. lawmakers have claimed that Chinese theft of nuclear secrets has given China virtual weapons parity with the U.S., but most experts say such fears are greatly overblown. Kosovo: Bombing Stops, But Major Challenges Ahead (6/10/99) Serb troops began pulling out of Kosovo, NATO suspended bombing and peacekeepers awaited orders to deploy, raising hopes that the Balkan conflict was over and nearly one million refugees could soon start for home. U.S. Treasury Secretary-to-Be Dumps on World (5/25/99) Lawrence Summers, soon to become U.S. Treasury Secretary, showed his disdain for the have-nots of the world in a 1991 memo that enraged environmentalists. U.S. Eases Restrictions on Medical Marijuana Research (5/25/99) Acknowledging that marijuana can have legitimate medical value without posing a significant health risk, the U.S. government has begun easing restrictions on marijuana research. Famine Puts Entire Generation of N. Koreans at Risk (5/25/99) Among the most dire consequences of the severe famine in North Korea is widespread malnutrition among very young children, who could grow up stunted or retarded as a result. Amid Economic Woes, Japanese Brace For Millennium (5/25/99) Many people in Japan look to the millennium with foreboding; millions subscribe to the dire predictions of Nostradamus. Will Change in Israel Bring Peace in Mid-East? (5/25/99) The landslide victory of Ehud Barak in Israel raised hopes for a revival of the Mid-East peace process. But Barak must first form a government. China Got U.S. Nuke Secrets -- How Much Damage? (5/25/99) A Congressional report says China succeeded in acquiring highly sensitive U.S. nuclear secrets during three successive administrations, a charge China denies. Kosovo: The Long March Toward Settlement (5/25/99) The NATO bombing campaign in Serbia entered its third month with Britain calling for a ground invasion, but most of the Alliance is resisting that impulse as efforts toward a negotiated settlement continue. Beyond Kosovo: Peacemaking In a Post-Cold War Era (5/10/99) Armed conflict became radically more deadly during the 20th century, but the new millennium affords an opportunity to build the foundations of lasting global peace and security, says Michael Renner of the Worldwatch Institute. Iran Moderates Seen Gaining Over Hard-Liners (5/10/99) Led by moderate president Mohammad Khatami, a new spirit of intellectual freedom is sweeping Iran, but not without strong opposition. HIV Can Hide in Body for Decades (5/10/99) New research shows that current HIV-suppressing drugs cannot cure or prevent AIDS, because the HIV virus can 'hide' in the human body for up to 60 years. Chinese Government Worried About Huge 'Cult' (5/10/99) Millions of Chinese citizens practice the ancient health regimen called Qigong, but Chinese officials fear that some Qigong teachers may have too much political power. Chernobyl Horror Lingers 13 Years Later (5/10/99) Devastating effects of the 1986 nuclear accident at Chernobyl continue to haunt the Ukraine and will do so for decades to come. Kosovo Crisis: What a Difference Two Weeks Can Make (5/10/99) Ambivalence in the U.S. Congress, Milosevic's release of U.S. POWs, G-8 support of negotiations and NATO bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade all contributed to the rapidly changing complexion of the Kosovo crisis. Revolt Against Genetically Modified Foods Gains Force (5/10/99) In recent months, a consumer backlash against genetically modified (GM) foods has exploded across much of Europe and now threatens to stop the GM industry in its tracks. Swiss Move Toward Legalization of Marijuana (4/25/99) Noting that existing drug laws are not effective, a study panel has advised the Swiss government to legalize marijuana. Global Population Growth Is Slowing, Study Says (4/25/99) Increasing death rates from AIDs and starvation in the world's most impoverished regions will slow the overall growth of world population, according to the Worldwatch Institute. High School Carnage Raises Old Questions Again (4/25/99) When two young killers massacred a dozen classmates at Columbine High in Littleton, Colorado, the whole world recoiled in horror and wondered aloud what has gone wrong in American society. Step By Step, the Balkan War Unfolds (4/25/99) NATO bombing over Yugoslavia continues into its fifth week with no end in sight, while U.S. leaders are increasingly divided over strategy. Plans for Earth Day 2000 Are Already Underway (4/25/99) Ambitious plans for Earth Day 2000 will build a coalition of leaders in business, government, media and education and focus on appropriate energy technologies for the new millennium. Coal Fumes Said to Poison Millions of Chinese (4/25/99) Poor quality coal used for home cooking and heating is blamed for causing cancer, bone disease and other ailments in millions of Chinese peasants. China Could Face Worse Flooding Than Last Year (4/25/99) Chinese officials have warned citizens living near major rivers to brace for a repeat, or worse, of the deadly floods that hit China in 1998. Cancer Rates Are Dropping, Mostly Among Men (4/25/99) Most kinds of cancer are decreasing, but lung cancer among U.S. women actually increased in recent years, according to the American Cancer Society. Drug Prolongs Life in Breast Cancer Sufferers (4/25/99) A drug called Herceptin recently approved by the FDA is the first substance shown to extend life in late-stage breast cancer sufferers. Bee Venom Therapy May Ease Many Ailments (4/25/99) Therapeutic application of honey bee venom has been practiced since antiquity and may be an effective treatment for arthritis and other inflammatory and degenerative diseases. Boris Yeltsin's Popularity Drops to Single Digits (4/10/99) Amid continuing economic crisis, scandal and resurging ultra-nationalism, Russian President Boris Yeltsin's popularity is at an all-time low. Kosovo Draws Attention While Other Conflicts Rage (4/10/99) Conflict in Yugoslavia makes headlines, but other major wars continue in Africa and Asia, mostly ignored by the world press. Healthy Competition in the Oil Industry? Consider This... (4/10/99) Interlocking ownership among major oil companies means you often can't be sure whose gas you're really buying. Merger Fever Hits Oil Industry as Uncertainties Loom (4/10/99) The world's biggest oil companies are looking to gobble up second-tier producers, anticipating a harsher competitive climate ahead. 20th Century Fox Wrecking Beach for Film (4/10/99) Environmentalists are calling for a boycott of 20th Century Fox, saying the film company destroyed a protected beach in Thailand during shooting of a new film. Watchdog Group Cites Most-Censored Stories of 1998 (4/10/99) 'Project Censored' at Sonoma State University in California announced the 25 most-censored news stories of 1998. Their top pick focused on the little-known Multilateral Agreement on Investment. Hopeful Parents Vie Mightily For a Millennium Baby (4/10/99) April 9, 1999 was judged by reproduction experts to be the optimal day to conceive a child born on Jan 1, 2000 -- and all around the world, couples gave it their best shot. Iran: Human Rights Improve, But Problems Persist (4/10/99) Iran is slowly becoming a more tolerant society, but reactionary clerics strongly oppose the policies of moderate President Mohammad Khatami. Arab Miss Israel Arouses Political Ire (4/10/99) The first Arab woman to win the title of Miss Israel finds herself the focus of bitter political wrangling, but vows to keep her crown. Discovery Could Lead to Treatment for Alzheimers (4/10/99) Researchers have identified an enzyme that contributes to, or perhaps causes, the onset of Alzheimer's Disease. Blocking that enzyme in the brain may lead to an effective treatment. War In Europe -- Down The Slippery Slope (4/10/99) Editorial: After 18 days of bombing, NATO seems farther from achieving its goals in Kosovo that Milosevic is to achieving his. The prospect of NATO ground troops looks increasingly likely, and with it the threat of a wider war in Europe. Hungry North Koreans Trade Nuke Info for Potatoes (3/25/99) Famine-stricken North Korea has agreed to allow U.S. personnel to inspect a suspected nuclear facility in exchange for assistance with potato cultivation. British Ruling on Pinochet Sets New Precedent (3/25/99) Members of the British House of Lords ruled on March 24, 1999 that former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet is not immune from prosecution for alleged human rights atrocities; but the panel also reduced the number of charges from 32 to 3. Palestine Ponders Statehood as May 4 Approaches (3/25/99) Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat visited a number of foreign capitals during the last week of March, 1999, seeking advice and support for Palestine's anticipated declaration of statehood, as set forth in the Oslo peace accords five years ago. Turning the Tide to Save Earth's Oceans (3/25/99) As pollution, overfishing and other human activities threaten to overwhelm life in the seas, growing numbers of businesses and governments are trying to reverse the negative trends. Vigilantism Becoming Daily Activity in Kenya (3/25/99) Many Kenya citizens say they're tired of being preyed upon by hoodlums and ignored by corrupt police, so they're taking the law into their own hands. Anniversaries: U.S. Recalls Two Historic Disasters (3/25/99) During the last week of March, 1999, the U.S. looked back on the Three Mile Island nuclear disaster of 20 years ago, and the Exxon Valdez oil spill disaster ten years ago. Kosovo: Is This The Only Way? (3/25/99) Editorial: Though the policies of Slobodan Milosevic are reprehensible, NATO's resort to bombing brings with it enormous risks and slim likelihood of decisive victory. Iraq, Balkans Unrest Raise Danger of Nuke Mistake (3/10/99) A top Russian defense official said on March 2, 1999 that Russia's disputes with the West over Iraq and Yugoslavia could increase the chances that Moscow would retaliate after a false warning of a missile attack. Nuclear Industry Faces Slow Slide to Oblivion (3/10/99) According to the Worldwatch Institute, the nuclear power industry is at its peak of power capacity now and will start declining within two years, toward eventual extinction sometime in the mid-21st century. Indian Farmers Sell Precious Water to Tourists (3/10/99) In the popular tourist town of Kanyakumari on India's southern coast, local farmers have found they can make more money selling their water to tourist hotels and restaurants than using it to grow crops. Green Party Gains Power, But Loses Respect (3/10/99) In Germany, the environmental Green party has gained unprecedented power in the government, but now finds it is losing touch with the people, and with its own message. China Protests U.S.-Japan Effort on Missile Shield (3/10/99) Chinese officials say that a proposed U.S.-Japan collaboration on a new missile defense system could seriously destabilize the Asia-Pacific region. Amtrak Unveils First High-Speed Train in U.S. (3/10/99) The first of a new generation of 150 MPH passenger trains was unveiled by Amtrak on March 9, 1999, to run between Boston, New York and Washington, D.C. World May Be on Edge of Environmental Revolution (2/25/99) There are growing signs that the world may be nearing an environmental revolution comparable to the political revolution that swept Eastern Europe a decade ago, according to the Worldwatch Institute. Turkey: A Nation at the Crossroads (2/25/99) Turkey is a nation of rich history, strong aspirations and deep contradictions, situated where East and West, and past and future, meet. Russia's Other Biggest Problem: Tuberculosis (2/25/99) A virulent, drug resistant strain of tuberculosis is spreading fast in Russia and is already showing up in other parts of the world, prompting fears of a global epidemic in the coming decade. Future Shock: Men Could Have Babies, Expert Says (2/25/99) A leading British fertility expert says it should be possible for a man to carry a baby to term and then deliver it by Caesarean section. Canada Has New Territory, To Be Run By Native Inuit (2/25/99) On February 15, 1999, Canada announced creation of a new territory which will be governed by the Inuit people who are native to the region. India and Pakistan: Bus Diplomacy (2/25/99) The start of the first commercial bus service between India and Pakistan in 51 years signalled a new resolve between the two countries to build stronger ties rather than risk future war. The Global Economy: Will It or Won't It? (2/25/99) The U.S. economy continued to show strength in early 1999, but Japan, Russia and some other economies were troubled, raising questions of a possible global recession ahead. Conflict Update: Iraq, Kosovo, Ethiopia-Eritrea (2/25/99) Shooting conflicts were underway in several parts of the world in mid-February, 1999, while prolonged efforts to negotiate a peaceful settlement in the Serb province of Kosovo reached a stalemate. Biogenetics Treaty Talks Stall in Cartagena (2/25/99) UN-sponsored talks in Cartagena, Colombia, aimed at curbing proliferation of genetically altered foods, fell apart in mid-February, 1999 in the face of resistance from the United States and several other nations. AIDS Could Become No. 1 Infectious Killer by 2020 (2/25/99) If the current trend in developing countries continues, AIDS could be the number one infectious cause of death worldwide by the year 2020. Global Aging Adds New Wrinkle to Population Problem (2/25/99) There are more old people alive today than ever before, putting new strains on social security and raising questions about the value of longevity itself. Transitions: King Hussein, Soon Mandela, Yeltsin (2/10/99) The passing of Jordan's King Hussein marked the end of an era in the Middle East. Other major leaders soon to leave the world stage include Nelson Mandela and Boris Yeltsin. Vatican: 'Devil Made Me Do It' Ain't Necessarily So (2/10/99) Bowing to changing times, Vatican theologians are revamping their views on the Devil. Aids Vaccine to Begin Testing in Africa (2/10/99) In February, 1999, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced commencement of AIDS vaccine testing in Uganda. Southern Africa Currency Consolidation 'Inevitable' (2/10/99) Consolidation to one common currency has become a hot topic in the 14-nation Southern African Development Community. Boeing May Use Missile Theory in TWA 800 Litigation (1/25/99) Boeing Corp. is rumored to be considering the missile theory as a viable defense in pending litigation over the crash of TWA 800. Three-Currency World Now Seems Plausible (1/25/99) With the successful introduction of the euro currency, some economists and politicians are looking to the day when a dollar zone in the Americas and a yen zone in the Far East result in a three-currency world. New U.S. Defense Spending to Reverse Decade of Decline (1/25/99) In his State of the Union address on Jan 19, 1999, President Clinton announced plans to increase defense spending, emphasizing the need for a national missile defense. The Future According to Gordon-Michael Scallion (1/25/99) Do the startling predictions of this 'Latter-Day Nostradamus' make sense? Some actually do -- but many others don't. Millennium Fever Poses Challenges for Employers (1/25/99) The coming millennium brings with it a host of unusual new stresses in the workplace, driven by varied visions of apocalypse. Kosovo 'Massacre' Prompts Talk of Air Strikes (1/25/99) Discovery of an apparent massacre of civilians in the town of Racek in Kosovo aroused worldwide outrage and talk of NATO strikes against Belgrade. Euro: Symbol of New Europe Could Rival Dollar (1/10/99) Eleven nations of the European Union welcomed the arrival of their new common currency, the euro, on January 1, 1999 amid hopes it would soon rival the dollar in economic power. Famine Pushes North Koreans to Cannibalism (1/10/99) Widespread famine has driven some in North Korea to cannibalism, others to sell themselves or their children. Millennium Cults Grow More Bold as 2000 Nears (1/5/99) Around the world, cultists await the end of the world as we know it at the turn of the millennium. Israel on Alert for Millennium Madness (1/5/99) In Israel, 1999 began with the expulsion of an American doomsday cult called Concerned Christians -- and the birthplace of Christianity is bracing for more extremist activity as the Millennium nears. Israel Orders 11 U.S. Doomsday Suspects Out (1/4/99) Eleven members of a fanatical religious cult from the United States were ordered to leave Israel after authorities determined that the cultists might commit acts of violence at the end of 1999. The Taliban's War on Women (01/01/99) Since 1996, the fundamentalist Islamic Taliban regime in Afghanistan has imposed cruel constraints upon Afghan women, likened by some human rights activists to the Nazi treatment of Jews in pre-holocaust Poland. Israel Bans Genetic Cloning (12/30/98) Israel's parliament has passed legislation that bans cloning humans for the next five years. World Population Still Growing Fast (12/30/98) The U.S. Population Institute says Earth's human population increased by 78 million in 1998; and 97% of the increase occurred in poor nations. U.N. Says 1999 Will Be Hungry Year (12/30/98) A U.N. study says more people will go hungry in 1999 due to major natural and man-made disasters that occurred in 1998. 1998 a Disaster For Insurers, Leading Firms Say (12/29/98) 1998 was a year of exceptional natural disasters and the second highest total damages on records, more than triple those of 1997. Searching For God in Cyberspace (12/22/98) Call them info-mystics: cutting-edge religious scholars and theologians say the Internet has the potential to be redemptive, carrying humankind to higher levels of consciousness. Armed Conflict in Many Nations as New Year Begins (12/05/98) 1998 saw armed conflict in some 60 nations, and many conflicts were in progress as 1999 began. Report Says People To Blame For Global Warming (11/26/98) Rising sea water temperature due to global warming threatens to destroy the majority of coral reefs on earth, with potentially huge ecological and economic consequences. The Global Economy: In the Eye of the Millennium (9/15/98) A new survival economy is beginning to replace the consumer economy as the collapse of the global economy and its financial underpinnings spreads from Asia to Russia, South America and now North America and Europe. China's Communist Party Attracts Youth (9/06/98) A new survival economy is beginning to replace the consumer economy as the collapse of the global economy and its financial underpinnings spreads from Asia to Russia, South America and now North America and Europe. China's Water Crisis Could Threaten Global Security (7/12/98) China faces an impending water shortage that could undermine its food production, boost world grain prices and precipitate political instability in many developing countries. Built by Frontier on a Macintosh on 6/17/00; 12:58:17 PM. Mail to GSReport - Web Comments - Produced by Larry Lowe Served 10609 times since 4/10/99.

Global energy consumption will grow faster than global population during the 21st century. As shown in the chart at left, population in the industrial world (blue line) is almost stable as of year 2000, while total global population (green line) is expected to grow by about 65 percent before starting to level out at around 10 billion sometime after the year 2050 -- an increase of about 4 billion people, nearly all in the developing world. At the same time, however, global energy consumption (red line) will more than double, with potentially devastating consequences for the global environment and human society. Among other things, the current trends toward global climate change could be greatly accelerated. Source: Carbon Credit Corp.