This text gives an overview of ongoing relevant research in global environmental policy-making, focusing on the two major international programmes - the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme and the World Climate Research Programme. The se are described in terms understandable to the interested lay reader. The results of the latest review of the Intrgovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) are included. This is followed by an analysis of the response process that is in progress with respect to governments - singly and multilaterally - by business and industry and by public interest groups. This process is leading to interactive structures, assessment procedures and legislation, nationally and internationally. Business and industry are changing from mere watchfulness to recognition of new opportunities for products and processes. Six interviews with prominent figures from business and government circles in the Netherlands provide a vivid illustration of the questions at issue.
