Consultation as Science Communication?  The Case of Local Air Quality Management

ABOUT THE PROJECT

This project started in May 2004 and examines a large scale nationally mandated, but locally implemented science communication exercise on air quality undertaken by local authorities. The ongoing air quality review and assessment process represents one of the largest locally based science policy and science communication initiatives ever undertaken in the UK. This makes it an ideal case study to build theory and develop practice that can be applied to and tested on a range of science communication and environmental policy initiatives.

To date limited empirical research has been conducted to evaluate whether stakeholder consultation practically affects the local air quality management decision-making process. This research will identify communication strategies based on whether they rely primarily on information, consultation or participatory strategies. These will then be mapped to stakeholder groups to develop clusters of approaches. These clusters can then be evaluated in terms of the perceived benefits to the local authorities undertaking air quality assessment as well as those involved in the consultation process.