Research into the problems, causes, and possible solutions to the environmental crisis confronting mankind led to the development of these guidelines for curriculum development by the Interdisciplinary Environmental Education Project of Broward County, Florida. The purpose of the research was to determine the role that could be played by the educational community and to identify those aspects of the problem that should be given major emphasis. This booklet contains Part I of a three-part publication. It is a compilation of the basic concepts upon which the entire program is based. It also includes the major environmental problems with which we are or will be confronted, the alternatives, and the possible solutions to these problems. It is sufficiently general, in scope and content, to be of value to those having responsibility for curriculum development. Parts II and III deal with classroom/outdoor activities and community resources and involvement. This work was prepared under an ESEA Title III contract. (BL)