title: Integrating information for better environmental decisions.
abstract: As more is learned about the complex nature and extent of environmental impacts from progressive human disturbance, scientists, policy analysts, decision makers, educators, and communicators are increasingly joining forces to develop strategies for preserving and protecting the environment. The Eco-Informa Foundation is an educational scientific organization dedicated to promoting the collaborative development and sharing of scientific information. The Foundation participated in a recent international conference on environmental informatics through a special symposium on integrating information for better environmental decisions. Presentations focused on four general themes: (1) remote sensing and data interpretation, including through new knowledge management tools; (2) risk assessment and communication, including for radioactively contaminated facilities, introduced biological hazards, and food safety; (3) community involvement in cleanup projects; and (4) environmental education. The general context for related issues, methods and applications, and results and recommendations from those discussions are highlighted here.
authors.affiliation: Argonne National Laboratory, Environmental Assessment Division, 9700 S. Cass Ave., Argonne, IL 60439, USA. macdonell@anl.gov
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: MacDonell
authors.forename: Ken
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.forename: Leo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Newland
mesh_terms: D003226:Congresses as Topic; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D003657:Decision Making; D004493:Education; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D004787:Environmental Pollution / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D018570:Risk Assessment; D017751:Safety Management; D017215:Satellite Communications