Environmental problems and the use of information: The importance of the policy context

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.