This volume is the first to comprehensively explore the environmental activities of regional bodies, professional communities, the United Nations, NGOs, and other international organizations during the twentieth century.

Historical overview of international organizations and environmental policy until Stockholm 1972. First treatment of diversity of international organisations' involvement in environmental policy. International organisations and the pre-history of the climate change negotiations. New insights in the dominance of economic organisations involved in addressing environmental policy.

"This fascinating book is one of those rare collections that have a shared and unified purpose. Collectively, the authors cover a diverse set of topics, draw on myriad original sources (including interviews as well as archival research), tell interesting and new stories, and make a variety of novel arguments." · Bob H. Reinhardt, Executive Director, Willamette Heritage Center

"This book is exceptionally helpful for understanding the interplay between emerging environmental concerns and international politics during the last century. It illuminates the crucial role played by international organisations in developing environmental policies, and in particular it traces the political resolve and intellectual effort behind the concept of sustainable development." · Sara Lorenzini, University of Trento