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Exploring the context of consultation: The case of local air quality management

Leksmono, Nurul; Dorfman, Paul; Gibbs, Dave C.; Weitkamp, Emma; Longhurst, James

Authors

Nurul Leksmono

Paul Dorfman

Dave C. Gibbs



Abstract

The Environment Act of 1995 (Part IV) requires local authorities to review and assess air quality in their area of jurisdiction and to determine locations where concentrations of defined pollutants exceed. The ongoing review and assessment process is one of the largest locally based science policy and science consultation initiatives undertaken in the UK. Combining a questionnaire-based survey with in depth case studies has allowed an exploration of the process and the development of better practice guidance for such consultation initiatives. The research suggests that while there are no simple solutions to the dilemma of how best to engage the public in such consultations, there are steps that can be taken to improve consultation. Key factors that facilitate local community participation in such processes include a wellinformed and adequately resourced local community and an explicit connection between participatory and decision-making processes. Although the research focused on local air quality management as a case study of consultation mechanisms, the outcomes will be relevant to other locally based environmental management issues. © 2010 Taylor & Francis.

Citation

Leksmono, N., Dorfman, P., Gibbs, D. C., Longhurst, J., & Weitkamp, E. (2010). Exploring the context of consultation: The case of local air quality management. Local Environment, 15(1), 15-26. https://doi.org/10.1080/13549830903406040

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 2010
Journal Local Environment
Print ISSN 1354-9839
Electronic ISSN 1469-6711
Publisher Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 15
Issue 1
Pages 15-26
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/13549830903406040
Keywords environment, consultation, science communication, air quality
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/984527
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13549830903406040