Roma Stibravy, NGO Committee on Sustainable Development, said that fossil fuels are expected to provide the bulk of the world’s energy in the absence of radical changes, noting the North-South disparity in energy consumption. She highlighted the severe health effects of air pollution, and noted that the perspective of children has not been addressed at CSD-14.

William Rom, NYU School of Medicine, noted that there are roughly 50 years left in the fossil fuel era, giving impetus to the development of alternative energy. He highlighted that health effects linked to air pollution go back to the beginning of the industrial revolution, primarily linked to ground-level ozone, sulfur and nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and lead. He noted that the smallest particulate matter (under 2.5 microns) is also the most toxic, and is associated with combustion. He added that such pollutants are closely correlated with health defects such as smaller head size at birth, and decreased lung capacity. He noted that detrimental health effects have been linked to particulate matter levels well below what is currently considered acceptable, adding that this standard will be re-evaluated this year.

Edward Emory, World Information Transfer, recalled that the first law of petro-politics is that the integrity of democratic governance tends to decline along with the availability of fuel, and that a corollary of this is that the increased efforts to secure dwindling fossil fuel supplies leads to the diversion of resources and attention away from health and environmental concerns. He remarked on the rapid rise of the automobile culture and associated noise pollution, adding that this has had profound psychological impacts, such as stress and cognitive impairment, and physiological symptoms, such as increased blood pressure, heart rates, and weakened immune systems, adding that infants and children are particularly vulnerable.

Glenn Schafman, Tekneco Solutions Inc., noted the need for politicians to act on previously proposed solutions, and to address the health effects of electricity production based on fossil fuels, adding that nuclear does not present a safe or viable option.

Patricia Scharlin, World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, emphasized the need to communicate the health hazards associated with burning biofuel indoors, noting a recent health initiative developed by her organization.

Participants discussed: the need to focus on preventative policy; the lack of discussion of nuclear power at CSD-14; and the relative benefits associated with solar cookers and improved cook stoves.