The article considers the development of international cooperation in the field of environmental protection in the historical aspect. The genesis of the emergence of environmental problems and their assessment by the scientific community are analyzed. The historical stages of the formation of the system of international legal environmental protection, its goals, principles and main tasks are examined. Particular attention is paid to international, regional and bilateral treaties that regulate international cooperation in the field of environmental protection. The role of the United Nations in this process is focused. The place of international organizations in solving environmental problems is shown.