This annual report highlights significant environmental developments and milestones in the United States and worldwide.

The 2008 Index concentrates on energy and environmental linkages among the leading developed and developing nations.

As it has done over the past dozen years, the Index of Leading Environmental Indicators shines a spotlight on, and deepens Americans' understanding of, environmental progress.

This edition of the Index highlights the positive trends occurring in key areas including climate change, air quality, water quality, toxic chemicals, and biodiversity in the United States.

This edition of the Index reveals that environmental quality continues to improve in many key areas, including air pollution, mercury emissions, wetlands, and forestlands.

This bookexamines government data on numerous environmental conditions, most of which show consistent improvement.

Contrary to the public's perception of negative environmental trends, little-noticed government data suggest considerable progress in recent decades.

Improvements seen across key environmental indicators should be cause for celebration this Earth Day, according to Steven F. Hayward, Ph.D., author of the new book "Almanac of Environmental Trends."