1. Tools of Environmental Science
Section #3:
Making Informed Decisions

2. Values
How will a proposed environmental solution affect people’s lives?
How much will it cost?
Is the solution ethical?
To answer these questions, you must examine your values and those of others

3. Aesthetic
what is beautiful or pleasing

4. Economic
the gain or loss of money or jobs

5. Environmental
the protection of natural resources

6. Educational
the accumulation and sharing of knowledge

7. Ethical / Moral
what is right or wrong

8. Health
the maintenance of human health

9. Recreational
human leisure activities

10. Scientific
understanding of the natural world

11. Social / Cultural
the maintenance of human communities and their values & traditions

12. Decision-Making Process
Conceptual model that provides a systematic way to make a decision
Helps you analyze the issues of the situation & decide what is important
What is the mean height of this classroom’s population?

13. Example: Gather Information Consider Values Explore Consequences
Make a
Decision

14. Consequences Positive Short-Term Consequences
Negative Short-Term Consequences
Positive Long-Term Consequences
Negative Long-Term Consequences