For most materials scientists, as for most people, John Donne's lines “and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for thee.” are simply inspired verse. Increasing recognition of the interplay between human economic activity and global environmental perturbations, however, are beginning to add a cold air of prescience to John's words: “Ask not for whom the CFCs are emitted. They are emitted for thee.”

The need for greater understanding, and new, more systematic approaches to these intertwined economic/environmental issues is becoming more apparent. What is perhaps not so clear is the critical role that materials scientists and engineers must play in this effort. An analysis of the symbiotic relationships among economic development, human population growth, and the uses and flows of materials throughout the economy clearly demonstrates this role.

The intuitive feeling held by many technologists—that they are part of the solution, not part of the problem—certainly appears to be correct. But it will require growth on our part, and a more systems-oriented and comprehensive view of our role, if this promise is to be fulfilled.