NATO Committee on the Challenges of Modern Society

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The Committee on the Challenges of Modern Society (NATO/CCMS) was a NATO scientific research group created in 1969 to study environmental problems and the quality of life in different countries. US President Richard Nixon had suggested that NATO set up an environment-focused body for its 20th anniversary.

CCMS brought together scientists from many nations to work on environmental and related issues, both civilian and military. It was founded on November 24, 1969, to help NATO promote stability and well-being. The committee exchanged knowledge and ideas from governments, industry, and academia and met twice a year to discuss current policy, ongoing projects, and new plans.

The CCMS consisted of four main parts: short-term projects, pilot studies, workshop seminars, and research fellowships. It aimed to extend the findings of other organizations like the OECD, EEC, ECE, and UNEP. Countries were not forced to run pilot studies; instead, CCMS encouraged voluntary participation and collaboration, with countries able to join as co-pilots with others who shared expertise. Non-NATO nations were invited to participate as well, creating a mix of active contributors, observers, and critics. Over time, about 2000 experts from 15 member countries and 20 non-member contributors helped the CCMS grow.

In April 1983, the EPA started a pilot project to address drinking water quality and related health issues. Six areas were examined by teams from 11 NATO countries and three non-NATO countries, with technical help from others. The areas included analytical chemistry and data handling, advanced water treatment, microbiology, health effects, water reuse, and groundwater protection. The effort was led by the United States, with France contributing as a co-pilot on road hazards and identification and correction, Canada researching alcohol and highway safety, and Italy providing data on emergency services.

In the 1990s, tensions arose between the CCMS and the Science Committee (SCOM), leading to reduced participation. The two groups merged to form the Science for Peace and Security Committee on June 28, 2006.