Unit 6

The Role of the Public in Environmental Assessment

In this unit, we look more deeply at the role of the public in environmental assessment, and consider the role played by EA in advancing democratic participation in decision making. We explore specific obstacles to full participation by members of the public, and examine concrete examples of the importance of incorporating public input into environmental assessment. This unit is also intended to encourage students to contribute to environmental decision making in their own communities.

Objectives

After completing this unit, you should be able to

1. explain the importance of public participation in environmental assessment, and describe some of the obstacles to its full achievement.
2. discuss the use and abuse of public consultation processes, and identify some key characteristics that distinguish adequate opportunity for public participation.
3. give examples of the contributions to environmental assessment that can be made by the public.