1. In 2009, basic and applied research spending constituted 4.7% and 12.6% of total R&D expenditure, dropping from 2000 levels of 5.2% and 17%, respectively.
2. China, which overtook America last year to become the world’s largest energy user, is projected to increase its demand by 75% over the same period.
3. The countries where HDI has improved the least are mainly in Africa, with Zimbabwe at the bottom of the pile.
4. More than 80% of those polled in France favoured spending cuts, while only 8% supported tax increases.
