Exploring the ways environmental science is used and valued by policy-makers in Portugal: A case study

Sardo, Margarida; Weitkamp, Emma

Abstract

Policymakers, researchers and the general public seem to agree that there is a need for evidence based policies. Here we report on a case study which explores environmental policy making at the national and local levels in one European country, Portugal. The case study focuses
on understanding how that scientific evidence is used and valued by policymakers. Our data show that in Portugal there are opportunities at national and local level for scientific evidence to influence environmental policymaking and there is a general belief amongst policymakers that
scientific evidence is essential for the development of solid and trustworthy policies. However, challenges remain, including difficulties in working together and challenges imposed by the policy cycle. The bridge may not yet be fully constructed, but in Portugal, policymakers largely
recognise the need for scientific evidence and the research community is beginning to reach out, looking for ways to connect with the policy community.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2012
• Deposit Date: Mar 11, 2013
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 20, 2016
• Journal: Journal of Science Communication
• Print ISSN: 1075-5470
• Electronic ISSN: 1552-8545
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 11
• Issue: 3
• Pages: C05
• Keywords: science Communication, environmental science, policymakers, policymaking, Portugal
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/944565
• Publisher URL: http://jcom.sissa.it
• Contract Date: Aug 20, 2016