The CLimatoLogy Research Programme of the Commi ssion of the European Communities started in 1980 after a few years of preparation which foLLowed the concern caused by the European drought of 1976. It was mainLy a concern about European Land and water resources, which then as never before appeared threatened by cLimate vagaries. It was mainLy an economic concern which Led the Commmission to propose, and the CounciL to adopt, a five-year piLot research programme which in the meantime has proved to be both usefuL and successfuL. The best speciaLists in many interreLated fieLds were brought...