The Little Green Data Book 2006

The 2006 edition of the little green
data book coincides with a wave of renewed attention to the
energy sector coming out of the group of eight summit at
Gleneagles, Scotland. While energy demand is rising along
with gross domestic product (GDP) in the developing world,
many poor countries still lack the basic infrastructure that
sustains everyday needs. Electric power consumption per
capita is 25 times lower in low-income countries than in
high-income countries. The poorest people in the world
depend heavily on natural resources to meet their energy
needs. In Sub-Saharan Africa nearly 60 percent of the energy
used comes from combustible renewables and waste. The little
green data book is a step in this direction, with key
indicators of the environment and its relationship to people
for more than 200 countries. This year's edition
includes recently updated data on carbon dioxide emissions
and on particulate matter concentrations in urban areas, as
well as the new global environment facility (GEF) benefits
index for biodiversity.