Includes bibliographical references and index.

Our overheating, fraying planet -- Feeding a growing population : how, and with what kind of food? -- Water : not everywhere and not always fit to drink -- Chronic illness : rich or poor, few escape -- Obesity : the scourge of bad diets and sedentary habits -- Always more people and ever more elderly : caring and paying -- The technology fix : a way out? -- A volatile mix : public opinion, the media, and shaping policy -- Law and governance : managing our public planet and our private bodies -- Progress and its errant children : more is never enough -- The necessary coalition : social movements, legislatures, business.