Dr Sean Whittaker University of Dundee 3-5 April 2019 Uncovering the Environment: The Use of Public Access to Environmental Information Dr Sean Whittaker University of Dundee 3-5 April 2019
Legislative Framework Aarhus Convention EU Directive 2003/4/EC Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004
Right of Access to Environmental Information Primary aims of the right Promoting public participation Transparency and accountability Are these aims achieved in practice?
Project Methodology Qualitative analysis of requests Data sourced from the Scottish Information Commissioner, Scottish Natural Heritage and Scottish Environment Protection Agency Surveys and interviews with members of the public and public authorities
Emerging Findings – Users Motives for using the right Are they environmental in nature? An abuse of the system? Participative aims of the right v. self-interest of the users
Emerging Findings – Proactive Disclosure The use of proactively disclosed environmental information Websites, datasets and accessibility The right is viewed (wrongly) as predominantly request-driven Do users view themselves as users?
Broader Questions – Use of the Right in Practice Motives do not necessarily impact on how disclosed environmental information is used Users see limited opportunities to participate in and influence the decisions of Scottish public authorities
Broader Questions – Use of the Right in Practice Technological innovations and how the right to environmental information is used Impact of the request-driven view of the right
1990 1998 EU Directive 90/313 The Aarhus Convention Nokia Cityman 100 Copyright Nokia Collection Copyright Nokia Collection 1990 EU Directive 90/313 Nokia Cityman 100 1998 The Aarhus Convention Nokia 5110
Broader Questions – Use of the Right in Practice Technological innovations and how the right to environmental information is used Impact of the request-driven view of the right
https://sites.dundee.ac.uk/envinfo/ Conclusion https://sites.dundee.ac.uk/envinfo/ s.x.whittaker@dundee.ac.uk Project Team: Professor Colin Reid ESRC: ES/P010067/1 Dr Jonathan Mendel Dr Sean Whittaker