In Brief

Growing more than GDP

Standard measures of economic growth ignore a rapid depletion of natural resources that will seriously harm future generations, according to a new report by the United Nations Environment Programme.

Inclusive Wealth Report 2012 unveils a new indicator—the Inclusive Wealth Index—that looks beyond the traditional yardsticks of GDP and the Human Development Index to include a full range of assets, such as manufactured, human, and natural capital. This index shows governments the true state of their nation’s wealth and the sustainability of its growth, according to the report.

The report looks at changes in inclusive wealth in 20 countries—which together account for almost three-quarters of global GDP—from 1990 to 2008. Over that period, natural resources per capita declined by 33 percent in South Africa, 25 percent in Brazil, 20 percent in the United States, and 17 percent in China. Only Japan did not see a fall in natural capital, due to an increase in forest cover.

Measured by GDP, the economies in China, the United States, Brazil, and South Africa grew by 422 percent, 37 percent, 31 percent, and 24 percent respectively between 1990 and 2008.

However, when their performance is assessed by the new index, the Chinese and Brazilian economies increased by only 45 percent and 18 percent. The U.S. economy grew just 13 percent, while South Africa’s actually decreased by 1 percent.

Dementia cases set to triple

Worldwide, nearly 35.6 million people live with dementia. This number is expected to double by 2030 to 65.7 million and more than triple by 2050 to 115.4 million according to a new report by the World Health Organization. Dementia affects people in all countries, with more than half (58 percent) living in low- and middle-income countries. By 2050, this is likely to rise to more than 70 percent, predicts Dementia: A Public Health Priority.

Treating and caring for people with dementia currently costs the world more than $604 billion a year. This includes the cost of providing health and social care as well the reduction or loss of income of people with dementia and their caregivers.

Only eight countries worldwide currently have national programs in place to address dementia.

Plugging leaks

Millions of people in Asia and the Pacific could have access to clean water if leaks were plugged and water utility reforms adopted, says a new study by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

“While Asia and the Pacific is increasingly facing...