Environmental problems vary in scale from very local impact, such as urban air quality to true global impact, as is the case of greenhouse gases. The contribution of industry to these environmental problems is variable, but in many cases very important indeed, as example the large contribution of industry in the emissions and emission reduction of Chloro-Fluoro-Compounds (CFC’s) can be mentioned. The need for more sustainable production processes is perceived, but implementation is rather slow due to economic (international competition) and (in the case of developing countries) social reasons. On top of that, the perception is currently in the US that environmental groups and NGO have grossly exaggerated the impact of environmental problems. Crying wolf all the time has surely been damaging regarding a balanced public perception of environmental problems. A high point in this development has been the rejection of the Kyoto protocols by US President Bush. And careful and objective analysis of the situation makes clear that severe environmental problems indeed do exist, and that measures are necessary; Health effects of aerosols, the oxidant problem and climatic change, though perhaps at later time as prophesied will remain important issues. The perceived antithesis between industry and research community and responsible environmental organizations creates an unproductive atmosphere where arguments of both sides are no longer heard and understood. To change this situation, restrain in unwarranted extrapolations by environmental groups and NGO’s is necessary, but also the perception by industry that industry must take a proactive role. Some typical European mechanism is called “convenants” where industry and government make a “gentleman’s agreement” regarding emission abatement. The actual implementation is then left to industry; government’s role is only overall monitoring that the goals are met. This instrument has proven to be quite effective and it indeed puts industry in the necessary pro-active role.