Potential Health Effects of Global Climatic and Environmental Changes

Abstract

THE subject of climatic and environmental changes that result from human activity has been much in the news recently. Discussions of the greenhouse effect, thinning of the ozone layer, rising levels of carbon dioxide, global warming, chlorofluorocarbons, and acid rain have made the terms common in print. Atmospheric physicists and other scientists have examined the physical consequences of these effects, but the impact of environmental change on the health and survival of humans has received relatively little direct attention, with some notable exceptions.¹ Although the direction of environmental change seems clear, much uncertainty remains about its magnitude and tempo. When . . .