Book excerpt: After the outbreak of the wars in Ukraine and Palestine, CBRNe threats are sadly back in the news. This book, based on the first-hand experience of the author, a researcher in the field, reports on recent advances in selected topics and describes current scientific case studies, focusing on the role of actors in the response to CBRNe incidents, the reaction to severe events in major cities, with special reference to immediate investigation and effective communication, and modern laser spectroscopy systems that, using quantum technology and artificial intelligence, enable the rapid and non-contact detection, identification and monitoring of chemical warfare agents and explosive precursors, even at great distances.