Citizens, Experts, and the Environment: The Politics of Local Knowledge

Wow, this book is really a must-read for those studying environmental policy. First, Fischer does a really good job of explaining the interface between science and policy-making. He reminds us that policies are first and foremost political and social constructions, and while science can play a role in informing policies, there are many other things that are priorities for different groups of people. He also does a good job of explaining the link between science and advocacy groups, as well as explaining how NIMBY (not in my backyard) situations arise and how incorporation of different kinds of knowledge, even that which scientists consider 'irrational', is essential in formulating viable environmental policies. Through this process, Fischer also forces us to rethink the way in which the typical roles of 'experts' and 'citizens' are cast. I read this book while starting to write my thesis on water policy, and it made a huge difference in the way I thought about the results from my own research. Had I not read it, my results would have made a lot less sense, and my recommendations for further action would have been virtually nonexistent. In all honesty, I have a really hard time succinctly summarizing this book because it covers so much ground, but it is surprisingly quite readable and really helps one to begin to make some sense out of how we might better strengthen ties between the public and experts in a way that redemocratizes knowledge production and use.