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Air Quality Management in UK Local Authorities: Public Understanding and Participation

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Listed:
  • Juliette Mcdonald
  • Martin Hession
  • Anna Rickard
  • Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
  • Michaela Kendall

Abstract

Science and technology are an integral part of informing public policy on air pollution and transport management. Expectations of science and technology by society and their use by air quality policy makers has led to increasing reliance upon this evidence to promote health and well-being. This can be seen, for example, in the setting of the UK national objectives for air pollutants based on exposure and health effects. This paper addresses three questions. It assesses, through the use of focus groups, the public perceptions of air pollution and the atmospheric dispersion model output from the Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling System-Urban. Then it assesses their understanding of this information and its current presentation to the layperson. Finally, it assesses how their perceptions and understanding influence their solutions to local air quality management in the London Borough of Camden. The results show that participants in the study struggled with the concept of air pollution outside their sphere of experience, and they did not understand the scientific basis or modelling used to inform local policy. This is partly a result of the way this information is presented. They did not relate the technological evidence to their opinions of acceptable solutions or they expressed reluctance to suggest specific options. It is proposed that a well-informed public would make comprehensive decisions on air quality based upon a broader range of factors, incorporating the scientific reasoning and technological information as well as emotive and socio-economic factors. A balance between science and technological understanding with the validity of local expertise will improve air quality policy making to the greater satisfaction of all stakeholders.

Suggested Citation

  • Juliette Mcdonald & Martin Hession & Anna Rickard & Mark Nieuwenhuijsen & Michaela Kendall, 2002. "Air Quality Management in UK Local Authorities: Public Understanding and Participation," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 45(4), pages 571-590.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jenpmg:v:45:y:2002:i:4:p:571-590
    DOI: 10.1080/09640560220143567
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Beierle, Thomas, 2000. "The Quality of Stakeholder-Based Decisions: Lessons from the Case Study Record," RFF Working Paper Series dp-00-56, Resources for the Future.
    2. Beierle, Thomas C., 2000. "The Quality of Stakeholder-Based Decisions: Lessons from the Case Study Record," Discussion Papers 10686, Resources for the Future.
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    Cited by:

    1. Michael S Carolan, 2008. "When Good Smells Go Bad: A Sociohistorical Understanding of Agricultural Odor Pollution," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 40(5), pages 1235-1249, May.

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