A Global Perspective. The report examines eight environmental problems and the forces behind them. Global warming could dramatically alter regional weather patterns and increase the spread of tropical diseases. Although many ozone-depleting chemicals have been banned, increased levels of ultraviolet radiation will persist well into the 21st century. The worst problems result from indoor cooking fires in developing countries.
Conservation groups hope to prevent future losses by protecting critical ecosystems.
Overfishing, marine pollution, and the loss of coastal habitats pose serious threats to fish populations around the world. Regional water shortages are expected to become more commonplace in the years ahead.