the internationalization of the world has put issues of governance at the heart of our future. this is obvious for most people when it comes to the environment. during the 1990s international cooperation on environmental issues has increased, especially after unced in rio de janeiro 1992. in this book, a number of distinguished people with experience of environmental affairs contribute their views on the lessons learned from environmental governance so far, the current situation, and the prospects for the future of this mode of solving common international issues. their professional backgrounds range from academia and diplomacy to activism. among the contributors to the book, experts on governance, international negotiations and local experiences can be found; this collected volume therefore offers perspectives from science, business, and non-governmental organizations.