The essays contained in this volume are concerned with the existing and potential role of international organizations in coping with the environmental impact of the widespread application of science and technology. The results of the study are designed to be useful to policy-makers and students of international organizations. The essays are arranged in four sections with an introduction by the Secretary General of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (1972). The first section, containing two papers, concerns the "Present and Future Dimensions of the Problems of Environment;" the second has eight papers examining some aspect of "International Institutions: Their Present and Potential Roles;" the third, "Salient Issues for the Future," contains one paper concerned with international trade and environmental quality. The last section, "Conclusions," contains a paper by the editors concerning future possibilities for international organizations concerned with the environmental crisis. Also included is a general index. The collection was originally published as the Spring 1972 issue of the journal "International Organization." (AL)