Abstract
Factual information plays a vital role in public awareness of environmental problems, and in governmental interventions that this awareness provokes. There is a growing need for new information to define and explore these problems, and to allow consequent political decision-making. This article examines the policy process, making a distinction between knowing and deciding. It will become clear that information and policy, both of which arise when a minimal level of problem-consciousness is reached, are the two important prime movers toward a better understanding and acceptance of environmental problems. Attention is given to information management as a prerequisite of communication management to influence attitudes and behavior, and to the role of communication in a total intervention-mix.
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van Woerkum, C., van Meegeren, P. Environmental problems and the use of information: The importance of the policy context. Know Techn Pol 3, 44–49 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02824949
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02824949