The present state of the environment report deals with three topics of international significance selected by the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme at its tenth session: two contemporary issues (hazardous waste and acid rain) and one of a "futuristic" nature (environmental aspects of energy farms). In order to sharpen the focus of treatment of these problems, the presentation is given under four main headings: facts and figures, the problem, major actions taken or planned, and concluding remarks.