Making Environmental Decisions What is the main goal of environmental science? To understand and solve environmental problems

Why is it so difficult to solve Environmental Problems? People often cannot come to an agreement about environmental issues Interdisciplinary science Actions vs consequences Differing priorities Lack of data for informed decisions Bias

Factors involved in solving Environmental Problems CostCost RiskRisk MoralMoral

Values Questions Is it right or wrong?Is it right or wrong? How will it hurt people?How will it hurt people? Will it enhance the scenery?Will it enhance the scenery?

Values that affect Environmental Decisions Aesthetic – What is beautiful or pleasingAesthetic – What is beautiful or pleasing Economic – Gain or loss of money or jobsEconomic – Gain or loss of money or jobs Environmental – Protection of natural resourcesEnvironmental – Protection of natural resources Educational – Accumulation and use of knowledgeEducational – Accumulation and use of knowledge Ethical/Moral – What is right or wrongEthical/Moral – What is right or wrong Religious – Protects religious beliefsReligious – Protects religious beliefs Health – Prevention of sickness or disabilityHealth – Prevention of sickness or disability Recreational – Provide for human leisure activitiesRecreational – Provide for human leisure activities Scientific value – Knowledge gained by scientific researchScientific value – Knowledge gained by scientific research Social/Cultural – Respecting values and traditionsSocial/Cultural – Respecting values and traditions