Global warming and geographic information : An assessment

ABSTRACT

This paper is the third of a trilogy on environment issue problem-solving and the use of geographic information. The two predecessor papers (1989 and 1990 Proceedings) dealt with local air quality issues and air pollution (1989) and the Clean Air Act of 1990 and its regional/national geographic consequences (1990). This paper deals with the study, using geographic information systems, of local and regional consequences of global environmental issues, e.g., stratospheric ozone depletion and possible climate change (e.g., sea level rise). The current status of and uncertainties over the adequacy of scientific evidence will be evaluated for their public policy consequences. Ways to estimate the positive and negative effects of climate change at the local, regional and national level -- public health, income change, economic development, trade, food supply, and others -- will be discussed and assessed. Proposals for improved geographic information will be set for forth (AU)