This document provides an overview of concepts related to environmental policy. It begins with defining key terms like policy, public policy, and the policy cycle. It then distinguishes between policies, laws, rules and regulations. The document outlines the development of international environmental laws and policies starting from the 1972 Stockholm Declaration. It discusses principles of international environmental law like sustainable development, responsibility for transboundary harm, precaution, and polluter pays. The document provides context for why the study of environmental policy is important for scientific understanding, problem solving, and policy recommendations. It concludes with references for further reading.