ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Chapter 2 Tools of Environmental
Science
2.3 Making Informed Decisions
2.3 Making Informed
Decisions Objectives
Describe three values that people consider
when making decisions about the
environment.
Describe the four steps in a simple
environmental decision-making model.
Compare the short-term and long-term
consequences of two decisions regarding a
hypothetical environmental issue.
Introduction
In order to solve environmental problems,
research must be done.
Ethical, economic, and social aspects must be
considered along with scientific research
when solving environmental problems.
Values, principles or standards we consider
important, have to be considered when
weighing environmental issues.
An Environmental DecisionMaking Model
A decision-making model is a
conceptual model that provides a
systematic process for making
decisions.
One possible decision-making model is
below.
Gather
Information
Consider
Values
Make a
Decision
Explore
Consequences
An Environmental DecisionMaking Model
Gathering information can be as informal as
magazine and news articles to as complex as
conducting original research.
After listening to a variety of positions on the
issue, one should consider which values apply
to the issue.
The consequences of each option should be
thoroughly explored before any decision is
made.
A Hypothetical Situation
At this point, the class
is to read and discuss
“A Hypothetical
Situation” pg. 46-47.
For more on
environmental decision
making, go to
www.scilinks.org.


Topic: Environmental
Decision Making
SciLinks code: HE4035
How to Use the DecisionMaking Model
At this point the
class is to read and
discuss “How to
Use the DecisionMaking Model” pg.
48-49.
Discuss another,
local environmental
issue as well.
References
Golden-cheeked Warbler http://www.rw.ttu.edu/sp_accounts/g
cwarbler
Appalachian Trail http://www.stilllight.com/html/appala
chian_trail.html