We are making headway. More of the world is thinking green as governments and industries look for ways to reduce emissions that harm air and water quality.

• Japan, the United States, and countries throughout Europe are moving full throttle toward eliminating vehicle emissions. They’re introducing such innovations as gasoline-electric hybrid cars, automobiles powered by a hydrogen fuel cell that emits pure drinkable water, and the Segway Human Transporter, which uses gyroscope-balanced electric energy for individual mobility.

• Air and water quality are further improved as nations work to reduce acid rain by lowering emissions of sulfur dioxide released from coal-fired power plants. Catalytic converters and cleaner fuels in cars are lowering the levels of nitrogen oxides.

• Countries are also making progress in the ban or strict control of the use of 12 carbon-based chlorinated chemicals, including chlordane, DDT, and PCBs.

• More than a nod is being given to other aspects of the environment. Governments—particularly in the developing world—are promoting ecotourism.

• Corporations are recycling nonhazardous waste as they move to construct facilities with such energy-saving features as solar roof tiles, composting toilets, and cisterns that collect rainwater.