A public environmental education exercise in perspective

Abstract

An increasing demand for energy in New Zealand has brought the country to the point where major decisions have to be made concerning energy supply. It was considered desirable by the Environmental Council that the New Zealand public be involved in making such decisions. The Council felt that information should be made available on the environmental implications of alternative energy development strategies.

This project involved the preparation of a booklet on energy for the Environmental Council. The booklet was designed to present to the general public factual, easily accessible information on the environmental implications of energy development and use. The role of the booklet is placed in perspective by the examination of environmental education material prepared by New Zealand Government agencies. It is evident that some steps have been taken by Government to provide the public with information that could be used in decision-making concerning alternative energy futures. There remains a need for channels through which the public may effectively participate in decision-making.

Objectives of environmental education are also discussed in the report. It is suggested that the concept of decision-making is central to environmental education. Accordingly, the role of environmental education in relation to resource management decision-making is examined.