This book, which was prepared when the author was a member of the staff of the Institute of Soviet and East European Studies, University of Glasgow, addresses the environmental programme and practices of several key sectors in the Soviet economy. It determines the priorities for investment and the extent of resources currently allocated to environmental protection and also estimates the resources required to ensure the future of the Soviet environment. The book points out instances where changes in the economic and bureaucratic contest of environmental management may take place. It also suggests that some of the Soviet programme involves innovative and low-cost environmental management options, which are important in the context of limited financial and physical resources. Other responses will require further scientific substantiation. The author points out that the whole question of environmental pollution is attracting a great deal of attention in the Soviet Union at the present time, and that clear realistic policies will be required to ensure that the best use is made of the financial and material resources available.