It warned that world population growth, pollution and resource depletion would have dramatic consequences by the year 2000 if no changes in public policy were made.
It was a historical first in trying to analyze the effects of population growth, pollution, and other factors on the worldwide environment and possible political crises.
The progressive impoverishment of the world's natural-resource base raises concerns about the earth's capacity to continue to provide for human needs."
However, the report's impact was limited because Carter lost the 1980 United States presidential election.
Ronald Reagan succeeded Carter as president in January 1981 and did not pursue the report's recommendations.