The Committee on the Challenges of Modern Society (NATO/CCMS) was a scientific research committee created in 1969 by the North Atlantic Council to study environmental problems of various nations, and the quality of life of their people.[1]
US President Richard Nixon had suggested on NATO's twentieth anniversary to install the new body to work on the environment.[2]
President Nixon suggested a few new initiatives for NATO. Aside from the military initiatives, Nixon decided to create a medium-range policy group that revolved around environmental problems common in developed nations.[3] The work of the CCMS combined the knowledge of an entire international community to come to well researched conclusions.
The CCMS was founded on November 24, 1969, complying with the NATO goal of Article 2 which states "the Parties will promote conditions of stability and well-being". The CCMS exchanged information on environmental, technical and scientific experience within both military and civilian communities.[4] The CCMS convened twice a year and would discuss policy as well as report on continuing projects and discuss new projects. The project has four main components: short-term project, pilot study, workshop seminar and research fellowship.[5] The CCMS was created with the design to expound upon and add to conclusions made by the OECD, EEC, ECE, UNEP.[6]
| NATO member nations 1969 | Year nation became member | |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | 1949 (founder) | |
| Canada | 1949 (founder) | |
| Denmark | 1949 (founder) | |
| France | 1949 (founder) | |
| Germany | 1955 | |
| Greece | 1952 | |
| Iceland | 1949 (founder) | |
| Italy | 1949 (founder) | |
| Luxembourg | 1949 (founder) | |
| Netherlands | 1949 (founder) | |
| Norway | 1949 (founder) | |
| Portugal | 1949 (founder) | |
| Turkey | 1952 | |
| United Kingdom | 1949 (founder) | |
| United States | 1949 (founder) |
The CCMS did not force specific countries into conducting pilot studies, instead encouraging self-motivation to begin their own study.[7] This ensured that countries were ready and highly motivated when they provided their expert opinion. This pilot group could then take on co-pilots, with other countries that shared the same expertise or enthusiasm and could contribute to the research.[8] This compelled many countries to contribute to the overall progress of ideas and conclusions made by the CCMS. Other non-NATO nations were asked to be involved as well and share their opinion; this practice combined: willing participants, skeptical observers and determined detractors.[9] The quality of work continued to grow as 2000 experts from 15 member countries and 20 non-member contributors were compiling with the CCMS.[10] Consensus among nations stated that the CCMS offered more technological and professional points of view than any other organization[11]
In April 1983 the EPA initiated the pilot summary to address the issue of drinking water quality and other health related issues. Six separate areas were examined during the study by groups from the eleven countries of NATO. The study also included three non NATO nations and technical assistance from many others.[12] The categories include: Analytical chemistry and data handling, advanced treatment technology, microbiology, health effects, reuse of water resources and ground water protection.[13]
Headed by the United States, this was a pilot study that focused on a multi-faceted project on road safety. France was a major contributor as a co-pilot focusing on road hazards, identification and correction.[14] Canada served as a co-pilot researching alcohol and highway safety and Italy contributed data on emergency services.[15]
During the 1990s conflicts of interest occurred between the Science Committee (SCOM) and the CCMS. With decreased participation from member and partner nations the committees combined to form the Science for Peace and Security Committee on June 28, 2006.[20]