In the first article in this series, the major drivers of global environment change which may have a potent impact on human health over the coming 30 to 50 years, were reviewed. These drivers include 1) worldwide habitat destruction and species extinction as a result of human population growth, 2) stratospheric ozone depletion and 3) global climate change. Evidence of increased threats to human health as a result of these drivers is mounting and the potential for major adverse consequences over coming years is real. Part 2 of this series examines some of the risks and mechanisms through which adverse health outcomes are possible - and indeed, according to some researchers, most likely.