In addition to the scientific analysis of extensive environmental processes and interrelationships, the international conflicts arising and lessons learned from the transboundary adverse effects of pollution and the exploitation and/or degradation of natural resources in ‘international areas’ have ultimately catalyzed the adoption of principles, programs, and international agreements aimed at preventing such problems and mitigating the related harmful consequences if they occur. Such conflicts involving two or more countries may arise, for instance, from the emission and transmission of air pollutants, ‘improper’ use of transboundary watercourses (with harmful impacts on other riparian countries), illegal transport of hazardous wastes, and extraction of natural resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction. We present below some historical and more recent cases that illustrate the diversity of such conflicts and their indirect role as catalysts in enhancing environmental cooperation. In general, compared to the transboundary or even global-scale deleterious effects of emissions of various pollutants, bilateral and multilateral conflicts associated with the exploitation/utilization of specific natural resources remain more difficult to resolve through the elaboration, and implementation of universally accepted and respected international agreements.