Health implications of global ecological problems

ABSTRACT

In the next two decades, the worlds population is expected to grow by 1.7 billion, bringing the total population to 7 billion. Shortages of drinkable water are increasingly common. Air pollution continue to be a problem although many countries have introduced tougher laws, cleaner fuels and installed pollution control equipment. Fifteen percent of the worlds land has now been degraded by human activities. Deforestation is currently estimated at 16.8 million hectares per year. About one quarter of the Earths species risks extinction within the next 30 years. Industry produces environmental problems everywhere-- toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes among others. The ozone layer is being depleted and global warming due to green-house gases affect climte, agriculture, rainfall patterns and upset ocean currents. Cataracts, suppression of the immune system, skin cancers and increased incidence of infectious and other diseases are some of the adverse health effects resulting from one or a combination of these environmental problems The maintenance and improvement of health should be at the center of concern about the environment and development. It is a requirement of health that the global cycles and systems on which all life depends are sustained. Population growth and the way resources are exploited and wastes generated threaten the environmental base on which health and survival depend and transit the growing costs to future generations. The toll they exact on human health and natural resources and systems could be enormously reduced by better environmental management.