Environmental factors do in many ways impact on and interfere with human health. While most of these effects are beneficial, some have the potential to cause major deterioration of health and well-being in human populations. In view of global change, altered environmental conditions are or may be leading to new risk scenarios for human health especially in the poorest countries. Based on a better understanding of underlying mechanisms, research should provide guidance to decision-makers on how to best respond to current and future environmental threats to human health.

Sub-activity 6.1.2. Environment and health

• Area 6.1.2.1. Health impacts of climate change
• Area 6.1.2.2. Health effects of environmental stressors other than climate change
• Area 6.1.2.3. Methods and decision-support tools for environmental health risk analysis and policy development