An overview of environmental policy instruments and action around the world, this text presents an analysis of the conditions of the global environment, highlighting key global concerns and making recommendations for policy action. Chapter one describes the environmental impact of social and economic issues such as population, development, poverty, trade, tourism, industry and agriculture. Chapter two reviews the state of the environment based on recent assessments made by international institutions and regional collaborating centres. Chapter three describes the broad range of policy instruments and responses available, the difficulties of compliance, implementation and assessment and sets out the major global and regional policy responses. Chapter four presents the results of a GEO 2000 Scope survey identifying the key areas for further action and reports on the alternative policy studies under-taken by the collaborating centres. It concludes with suggestions for alternative policy action.