This is the first in a new series of publications arlslng out of the work of the Committee on Challenges of Modern Society of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The CCMS was established in 1969 with a mandate to examine practical ways of improving the exchange of experience among mem­ ber nations of the Alliance in the task of creating a better envir­ onment for their societies. It was charged with considering "spe­ cific problems of the human environment with the deliberate objec­ tive of stimulating action by member governments". It may come as a surprise to some that NATO - generally thought of as being an organization devoted solely to matters of defence - should concern itself with the environment at all. But this is to overlook Article 2 of the North Atlantic Treaty of 1949, which expressly provides that member count ries should contribute towards the furt her development of peaceful and friendly internat­ ional relations by promoting conditions of stability and well­ being. This concern is reflected in many non-military areas, in addition to the environmental one. I wish the present volume, which has been edited by the Bel­ gian Prime Minister's Office for Science Policy Programming, every success.