Presented are the results of two years of inquiry by the Committee on Resources and Man established by the National Academy of Sciences. Chapters 1 and 2 pose the problem: since resources are finite, as population increases the ratio of resources to man must eventually fall to an unacceptable level. Chapter 3 considers the possibility of evading this dilemma by population control, and Chapters 4 through 8 consider the possibility of escape by increasing resources of food, minerals and energy. The central conclusion is that both population control and better resource management are mandatory and should be effected with as little delay as possible. Twenty-six recommendations are made in the introduction, including proposals for immediate action, for long term policies, for areas needing intensive research, and for a national organization concerned with resources and environmental degradation. (EB)