In addition to the creation of the atlas, which is available in print as well as online (for free!), UNEP has created capacity-building training workshops for policymakers, analysts, and government personnel in Africa. These workshops will allow laymen to interpret the graphics of the atlas, rather than relying on extraneous sources for advice.

The atlas, as a tool for policy-making, financing, and advocacy of environmental issues could have a major impact on the interdependent issues of Population, Health, and Environment. As environmental policies change for the better, so too may policies change on reproductive health, as well as education for women and children. This new map of current change may be the catalyst for future change.

I mentioned that it was great coming in late. Why? Well, if you're familiar with the Wilson Center, you'll know that at a major event, it's difficult to get a word in edgewise. However, the overflow room was asked to write their questions down on a piece of paper and submit them. My questions were asked first, handed to the panel's executive director before anyone else was asked.

Question 1: Will atlases be created for other regions (South America, East Asia, etc)?
Answer: Yes. There are actually atlases already in the works for individual African countries (Kenya's atlas will begin production in four months), and there will be more regional atlases or continental atlases in the future.

Question 2: Is there potential for transcontinental atlases that track the implications of environmental changes that begin in one region and affect other regions, such as the Saharan dust storms that drift out to sea from the
coast of West Africa?
Answer: The current atlas (Africa) hands information on trans-boundary environmental changes. There is, based on what has already been done, a definite potential for the creation of transcontinental atlases that will track changes like the movement of greenhouse gases through wind currents
or the movement of dust from the Sahara to the west.

I didn't have to stand in a cold room, my voice trembling over a microphone, and I was still answered. Perhaps I should come late more often.