Information from replies to a worldwide questionnaire is used to identify and locate current lichen information, including areas where at present there is little information or interest in lichens. The distribution of lichen-rich environments across the globe, their conservation status in regional, national and international terms and the threats identified by respondents in a range of climatic, environmental and human population conditions are discussed. Lichenological evidence for environmental change at global and regional levels is illustrated by current literature and research projects identified by respondents. These will also be used to illustrate the importance of lichens as monitors of changing conditions in a wide range of ecosystems.