Responding to the Climate Crisis: Asking the Right Questions

Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD)  participated in the World Information Transfer, Inc.’s 16th International Conference: “Responding to the Climate Crisis: Asking the Right Questions” organized by World Information
Transfer, Inc. (WIT), in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Croatia, the Government of Ukraine, the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, the UNDP, the UNEP, and UNICEF.

The Conference took place at the United Nations’ Headquarters, April 19 – 20, 2007.

Christine K. Durbak from WIT discussed how climatic change is negatively impacting human health across the globe. During the first day of the conference, Mrs. Durbak articulated that WIT seeks to
inform the general public of the essential role science plays in political decision-making.

WIT’s conference demonstrated the importance of the exchange of information and ideas among experts, policy makers, educators, concerned citizens and students.

The conference centered on the following areas:

1. The Impact of Climate Change on Human Health
2. The Health Security of the Next
   Generation
3. The Legacy of Chernobyl: The Sarcophagus
4. Understanding Radiation-Induced Thyroid Cancer

Dr. Daniel R. Schneider, Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, Physical Planning and Construction of the Republic of Croatia, presented an overview of the different effects of climate change on human health, particularly as they relate to mental health, the spread of disease, and death
rates.

WIT was formed in 1987 in response to the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine, with the objective of promoting environmental health, and providing accurate information concerning environmental deterioration.

The participation of GFDD in these briefings is representative of its commitment to the promotion and dissemination of information on UN activities and programs. GFDD is a member of several agencies within the United Nations with
consultative status, including the DPI/NGO.