Abstract: The formation of photochemical oxidants over north-western Europe in connection with high pressure situations in summers can lead to concentrations of oxidants above the air quality standards in the different countries. There are also indications that oxidants can damage vegetation, materials and even health. In the article, the occurrence and conditions for the formation of oxidants in Scandinavia are discussed, with emphasis on the seasonal variations of ozone concentrations. Furthermore, ozone and PAN concentrations during some episodes are described, and the source areas of the oxidant precursors are discussed. The article also contains a brief description of how oxidants are formed, a summary of the most important negative effects and a very short sketch of the historical development of the problem.

Abstract: Recent demographic trends in the island states of the South Pacific are described. It is noted that the integration of these states into the global economy has resulted in massive rural-urban migration. The problems associated with this migration including overcrowding shantytown development social disintegration and environmental pollution are considered. (ANNOTATION)

Abstract: A summary report on global population projections to the year 2100 is presented. The data are from published and unpublished U.N. sources. Consideration is given to regional differences in rates of growth and date at which population equilibrium may occur fertility trends life expectancy infant and child mortality age distribution migration and urbanization. (ANNOTATION)

Abstract: Current trends in food production in developing countries were described and the ability of these countries to produce sufficient food for their growing populations through the year 2000 was examined In the developing countries between 1976-82 food production increased by 31%/year however due to population growth per capita food production increased by only 09%/year This per capita increase was also unevenly distributed For example per capita food production increased by 15%/year in the communist countries of Asia but in Africa it actually decreased by 09%/year Furthermore the demand for food ie population growth plus income growth increased at a faster rate than food production Many countries had to increase their food imports and as a consequence their trade deficits grew Increased food production and increased food imports raised the calorie supply in developing countries in recent years and in 1978-80 per capita calorie supply for the 1st time exceeded by 1% the recommended supply level; however calorie supplies were unevenly distributed In the Near East they exceeded recommended levels by 11% but in many African countries they were considerably below recommended levels According to the 1981 Food and Agricultural Organizations (FAOs) study entitled "Agriculture: Toward 2000" if current trends are projected through the year 2000 food production will increase by 04%/year but lag behind the demand for food by 01% The global food supply would still be sufficient to meet the demand but many low income countries would be financially unable to import sufficient food As a result the number of malnourished persons could increase from 435 million (1974-84) to 685 million in the year 2000 A more recent FAO study entitled "Land Food and People" assessed the future maximum agricultural potential of 117 developing countries If all possible arable land in the 117 countries was devoted to food production by the year 2000 these countries would be capable of feeding 56 billion people assuming low agricultural inputs; 15 billion people assuming intermediate input levels; and 33 billion assuming high inputs More realistically if the amount of land under cultivation continued to increase at its current rate and if each region attained its expected level of agricultural inputs Asia and South America would be able to feed their populations; Central America would be able to feed 90% of its population; the Near East 60% of its population and Africa 55% of its population If population growth through the year 2025 is taken into account projected food shortfalls would be even more serious Changes in climatic conditions may have an overall favorable impact on food production in the coming years Increased levels of carbon dioxide are expected to increase yields; however the effects will vary from country to country Other factors which threaten food production are: 1) international wars and civil strife 2) the estimated annual loss of 5-7 million hectares of crop land as a result of environmental degradation and 3) high military expenditures which reduce the amount of funds available for agricultural development In 1981 the global per capita military expenditure was US$131 and for the developed countries as a group it was US$37

Abstract: The Executive Director of the United Nations Fund for Population Activities discussed population resource and environmental problems and issues which will be considered at the 1985 International Conference on Population. Although the global annual population growth rate declined from 2.02%-1.67% between 1974-84 we can not be complacent. The decline in the growth rate was unevenly distributed. For example most of the decline in Asia was accounted for by the decline in Chinas population growth rate. The world population will not stabilize until the end of the 21st century. Currently the population is increasing by 78 million each year and by the year 2000 the annual increase will be 89 million. There is a general world consensus that rapid population growth and the growth of massive urban centers is undesirable that government should formulate and vigorously pursue population policies that population must be integrated into development and that population is a relevant factor in socioeconomic development. A wide range of issues will be dealt with at the 1985 International Conference on Population. There is still a high unmet demand for family planning in many countries and contraceptive accessibility and delivery systems need to be improved. More attention must be focused on the impact of fertility on the family and the status of women. There is a growing imbalance between population and resources. Population growth and increased income levels heighten the demand for goods. The demand for goods is straining the worlds resources base and contributing toward the degradation of the environment. Spatial distribution patterns frequently impede socioeconomic development. In response to the UN 5th Population Inquiry 77 noted they were dissatisfied with some aspect of spatial distribution in their country. Latin American countries were concerned with urban primacy the urban and rural distribution and regional settlements. Asian and African countries were concerned primarily with the need to reduce rural to urban migration. Many changes are occuring in the area of international migration. Countries which in the past were the traditional recipients of permanent migrants e.g. the US Australia New Zealand and Canada have in recent years reduced the number of migrants they are willing to admit. The flow of migrant workers between countries is increasing and flow patterns are changing. Problems associated with illegal migration and with refugee movements must be addressed by the international community. It is now recognized that demographic variables should be integrated into development planning. This can best be achieved through the development of models such as the BACHUE models and the BARILOCHE model.

Abstract: The forests of the Central Himalaya are suffering serious losses due to population growth and expansion of agriculture. Although utilization of forest products is a necessary component of the Central Himalayan agroeconomy it is prohibitively inefficient. More than seven units of energy must be taken from the forest in order to produce a single unit of agricultural energy. Consequently, the carrying capacity of the forest has been exceeded. Further destruction of the forest must be prevented and positive steps such as reforestation and tree farming should be taken to ensure the future of the region's ecology and economy.