Search

A number of parallels exist between the development of social indicators and of simulation models. This paper seeks to clarify the nature of these parallels and to place them in their respective places vis-a-vis decisions dealing with complex and changing environmental problems. After delineating the role of social indicators and simulation in environmental decision-making, the paper closes with a number of areas where caution and concern are especially important. The principal conclusion is that decision-making for complex environmental problems must be synthetic in nature, and must ultimately rely on well functioning democratic political processes, since political decisions are inherently synthetic. We must avoid simple decisions dictated by technical expediency (unless of course the body politic prefers such decision models and is made aware of alternative technical opinions). In an arena of open political debate and sound technical discussion, the paper concludes that environmental decisions can be taken that respect both the ecosystem and its human inhabitants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing interest within universities in the operation of state and local governments, and in the services they provide. An example of this interest is the Program for Urban and Policy Sciences (UPS) at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Since its inception two years ago, it has been the operating policy of the Program to direct its principal research activities to real and immediate problems facing state and local governments in the New York area. In each of the collaborative efforts undertaken with an outside agency, we have seen our role as that of both problem analysts and catalytic agents for bringing about change. This means our faculty and students actively participate in the policy formulation and policy implementation processes. A case study of a cooperative effort undertaken with the Environmental Protection Administration of New York City illustrates these ideas. We believe that a successful university program should combine research with real world experience; the university should encourage the faculty to broaden the scope of their activities; and students, particularly those from minorities, should be trained for professional careers as planning and program analysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluates the regional implications of specific near-term air pollution control program. Nature of the interrelationship between regional variations and optimal policy selection; Ways by which regional considerations affect and complicate the design of an efficient set of control policies.