Presented are perspectives on the emergence of environmental problems. Six major trends in scientific thinking are identified including: holistic approaches to examining environments, life support systems, resource management, risk assessment, streamlined methods for monitoring environmental change, and emphasis on the global framework. (Author/SA)

Discusses the need for an interdisciplinary approach to environmental problems as well as the realization of the necessity for action - oriented proposals in a politically bound society. Suggests that conservative and vested-interest university departments are barriers to concerted action. (BR)