Abstract
Against the discouraging background of the fate of the Kyoto Protocol, this article looks at the more encouraging development of a more integrated understanding of the global social, economic and environmental condition. The focus is the learning that is taking place between health researchers and environmental researchers. The article explores the contribution that those interested in global environmental politics can make to their fellow researchers in the public health community, who are keen to tackle transboundary health problems but who have little experience in multilateral arrangements. Moreover the article suggests that the problems are shared, and a more integrated research agenda will bring us closer to a more holistic understanding of development, and more integrated policy prescriptions.