The Kyoto Protocol was officially opened for signature this month in New York. Several European nations are expected to sign the treaty shortly, and some say President Clinton might sign it, despite congressional opposition, as early as Earth Day, April 22. All three GCMs projected a temperature-related increase in potential seasonal transmission in five selected cities, as well as an increase in global epidemic potential, with the largest area change occurring in temperate regions. The study, coauthored by PSR Environment Committee member Jonathan Patz, MD, claims that if continued climate change occurs, the epidemic potential of dengue-carrying mosquitoes will increase, given viral introduction and susceptible human populations. The study suggests that increased incidence may first occur in regions bordering endemic zones in latitude or altitude, with endemic locations at higher risk from hemorrhagic dengue if transmission intensity increases.
Dengue is currently the world's most widespread vector-borne virus.
Senator Drops Attempt to Gut New Clean Air Standards. Instead, his amendment simply codifies the implementation plan put forward by the Clinton administration, preserving critical deadlines for designating areas that fail to meet the new standards for ozone and fine particles. Sen. Inhofe buckled after intense pressure from the EPA and the environmental and public health community. The original amendment would have severely weakened the Clean Air Act by eliminating the statutory deadlines for designating non-attainment areas. Through the efforts of PSR activists, we have been able to successfully defend the new safeguards from each attack.