The present annual state of the environment report deals with five topics of international significance selected by the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme at its seventh session: carbon dioxide and climate, heavy metal hazards, transport and the environment, the environmental effects of military activity, and the child and the environment. In order to sharpen the focus of treatment of these problems, the presentation is given under four main subheadings: facts and figures, the problem, major actions taken or planned, and concluding remarks.