Uses of Environmental Indices in Policy Formulation

Abstract

Responsible decision-making in government as in other institutions depends on the availability of reliable information. In areas such as the environment, where emotions can run high, hard facts are often of critical importance. If we are to achieve effective management of our environment, we will need comprehensive data about the status and changes in the air, water, and land. Optimally, these data should be organized in terms of indices that in some fashion aggregate relevant data. At present, our measures are imperfect. The issue of potentially hazardous chemicals, particularly possible substitutes for phosphates in detergents, illustrates both the needs and gaps of information in the formulation of environmental policy.