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The global community has a blind spot concerning the extent of the risks posed by human-induced climate change to the well-being, health and physical survival of populations. There are many adverse environmental and social impacts associated with climate change, including hotter - and in the tropics more humid - conditions; increases in weather-related disasters; reduced food yields; disruptions to water sufficiency and seasonal rains; changes in the geographical range, seasonality and activity of many infectious disease agents; and mental health disorders in damaged, disrupted or displaced communities. These all carry risks, often serious or fatal, to human health. Under climate change conditions, the health and safety of humans are as vulnerable, eventually if not immediately, as is the health of ecosystems, particular species, soils and pastures, and the chemical profile, vitality and productivity of the oceans.

T he World Trade Organization (WTO) is the international organization dealing with rules of trade between nations. Although the WTO became officially operational only in January 1995, it is the successor to the GATT multilateral trading system founded in 1947. In becoming Members of the WTO, countries undertake to abide by its rules. As of 30 November 2000, the WTO counted 140 Members. The WTO is charged with setting the legal ground rules for international trade. Its objectives are to promote: (1) non-discrimination (2) progressive liberalization of barriers to trade (3) predictable policies and transparency (4) competition and (5) special provisions for developing countries.