An outline of fundamental definitions, relationships, and human responsibilities related to environment provides a basis from which a variety of materials, programs, and activities can be developed. The outline can be used in elementary, secondary, higher education, or adult education programs. The framework is based on principles of the science of ecology and integrates relevant constructs from the social, behavioral, physical, biological, environmental design, and legal disciplines. Section one states the natural principles about the operation of all earth's ecosystems, man-created and natural. This includes discussion of the supply and use of energy by component parts within the ecosphere. Section two discusses fundamentals about the functioning of the human species in the earth's ecosystems--how humans affect and are affected by ecosystems and how humans are accountable for their effects on ecosystems. The third section describes processes, methods, and tools for using the fundamentals to harmonize human activities in the earth's ecosystems. Specific U.S. laws and international environmental policies are cited. Section four provides examples of broad questions that individuals and multinational groups must address in order to preserve the quality of human life on earth. These issues include food production capacity and land suitability planning. (Author/AV)