Environmental Information: Use and Influence (EI:UI)

The globe faces serious environmental problems. Climate change, pollution, endangered species, and threats to human health, to name just a few, illustrate the challenges facing individuals, communities, businesses, and governments alike. Governmental and intergovernmental organizations have significant roles in addressing these problems. In seeking solutions, they annually produce thousands of print and digital publications; the information in many having policy implications.

Our research entails detailed case studies of organizations focused on marine environmental concerns. How these organizations publish, disseminate, and promote awareness, access, and use of their grey literature publications is generally understudied. To manage the environment more effectively, policy makers need to find and make efficient use of this growing body of literature. We are developing an understanding of the extent of this literature, and its information cycle, and developing recommendations so that pertinent information influences decision making processes. An overview of our research initiative is available in our brochure.