The chapter includes maps, tables, and charts that illustrate the current world health situation. International and interregional comparisons can be made of the health status indicators described in the Environmental Data Report to determine differences and changes in prevailing environmental conditions and the role of specific risk factors. The World Health Organization is another good source of information on environmental health issues. Selections from two complementary documents are presented here. The changing environment also poses potentially significant health implications for children.
Additional documentation expands on the information provided in the tables.
A substantial body of literature addresses the potential health implications of climate change. 1985 report Characterization of Information Requirements for Studies of CO2 Effects . More recently, researchers have attempted to predict possible health problems due to various global warming scenarios. After describing the mechanisms of climate change, the report provides concise descriptions of direct and indirect effects on health, pointing to regional variations and general uncertainties. Last includes a valuable description of the range of international, national, and general public health responses to growing health concerns related to the deteriorating global environment.