Health and Energy. An update of facts and perspectives in June-September 2008

Abstract

A rapid change in the production of energy is taking place in the world, with substantial implications for health and the environment, as well as for the economy and the security of countries. On the negative side, the massive utilization of fossil fuels goes on and there is a return to the growth of nuclear power. On the positive side, the use of clean and safe sources, particularly eolic energy, is expanding, in the world and, to some extent, also in Chile. We see a growing awareness of the danger of climate change and of environmental pollution. In Chile and in other countries, physicians are trying to fulfill their moral and scientific responsibility in this front of the struggle for health. In this paper we update the facts for the most recent months, in continuation of a series of publications dealing with the diagnosis and management of these issues.