There is a constant drive for greater specialization when it comes to environmental problems. This book provides stakeholders from various backgrounds with the ability to place environmental problems and solutions within a common framework from which decisions can be made. It focuses on considerations from three primary areas of influence on environmental decision making: science, economics, and values. It presents the questions, issues, and problems that need to be addressed by today's environmental specialists. The text also includes case studies to illustrate the analytical reasoning required to employ contextually sound environmental decision-making.

Chad J. McGuire is a professor of environmental policy within the Department of Public Policy at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. He background is in environmental law and environmental science. Chad writes extensively in the fields of environmental law, policy, sustainability and dispute resolution. He has worked on policy issues related to fisheries management, climate change, globalization and land use patterns. His expertise has been sought in both private and public forums, and he has served on public committees for both non-profit and government entities. He has over 15 years of experience in the environmental management field.

Introduction. Science. Natural Systems. Systems Thinking. Economics. Categories Relevant to Environmental Decision-making. Defining Value - linking environment and human interactions. Total Valuation Technique (TV = DV + N + NUV). Benefit-Cost Analysis. Values. Objective Values. Subjective Values. Scaling Value Decisions. Conclusion. Appendix (Supplement - Case Problems).