At the heart of environmental policymaking is the awkward relationship between science and politics—between the empirical and the normative. This relationship means science, or the inherent uncertainty of scientific inquiry, is often intertwined with questions of politics and economics. Science, however, is the cornerstone of efforts to protect the environment and much of our environmental policy is premised on a faith that science will provide the solution to any problems. Science is also integral to our efforts to measure and manage potential and perceived health and safety risks. There are two approaches to risk management —rationalist and populist. The rationalist perspective pivots around the role of experts and limits on public participation. The populist perspective, in contrast, supports a large role for the public in shaping environmental policy, and that to limit participation is undemocratic and leads to an unequal distribution of health and safety risks.


Objectives

After completing this week’s web-lectures, readings, assignment, and participating in the on-line discussions you will have a understanding how enviromental policy is the product of the relationship between science and policy.