During 1974, United Nations Conferences were held on several issues which have been the subject of increasing concern by the world community in recent years: Population, Food, the Law of the Sea. Part I of this report takes a brief look at the problems and perceptions aired at these conferences and on the vistas for future action opened up therein. The report also touches on other issues which were seen during the year as being of crucial importance: energy, raw materials and outer limits. Finally, an attempt is made to report on how these matters relate to the idea of managing the environment.