Chapter 2.3 Environmental Science Making Informed Decisions

Scientific research is an important first step to solve environmental problems. Other factors also need to be considered. Values are principles or standards we consider important. Values need to be considered when looked at solutions to environmental problems. Some values that influence decision making are: aesthetic, economic, environmental, educational, ethical/moral, health, recreation, scientific, social/cultural

An Environmental Decision-Making Model Sometimes forming an opinion on an environmental issue is difficult and possibly overwhelming. It helps to have a way to process the issue and decide what is important. One way to do this is a decision-making model – the is a conceptual model that provides a way for making decisions. The first step in one model would be to gather information – learn about the problem from news report, reading about it, listening to well-informed people. Then decide what values apply to the issue, look at the consequences of each option. Then evaluate all of the information to make a decision.

A Hypothetical Situation In the town of Pleasanton, in Valley County, biologists have studied the golden-cheeked warbler. The warblers have disappeared from areas all around the state and in Valley County. Scientists are concerned that the bird will be placed on the endangered species list. Pleasanton is growing very quickly and new development is occurring outside the city limits. The development destroys warbler habitat. Valley County has strict environmental controls on building but it does not prevent the clearing of land.

Several groups propose that the county buy several hundred acres of land to make a nature preserve for the birds. They also suggest limiting development on land surrounding the preserve. Some people who own land where the proposed preserve would be are opposed to the plan. They believe they will lose money if they have to sell the land instead of developing it. Other landowners support the plan, they fear the warbler will be on the endangered species list. If the bird is endangered then the state will impose a plant that will be even more strict on land development. These people feel the preserve will make their land more valuable. Many residents of Pleasanton look forward to possibly hiking and camping on the proposed preserve. Other residents do not like the idea of government regulations on how land can be used.

How to Use the Decision-Making Model Using the hypothetical situation let’s look at the way a voter could use a decision-making model. Gather information – the voter could study the issue by watching local news reports, reading the newspaper, learning about the golden-cheeked warbler, and attending forums where the issue is discussed.

Consider Values Look at figure 3.5 on pg. 48 for a list of the values that need to be considered.

Explore Consequences The voter may decide that in the short term the positive and negative consequences in the table were equally balanced. They may realize that some people would suffer financially but other benefit. The long-term consequences of the plan may help make the decision. They realized that protecting the warbler now would be less expensive than a state-imposed plan. The voter also found that people pay more in counties that have open spaces.

Making a Decision The voter decided to vote for the nature preserve. Others who looked at the information may have voted differently. When making decisions affecting the environment make sure to consider your values, weight pros and cons, and keep in mind both short-term and long- term consequences of your decisions.