Opened up a new book today; "Environmental Communication and The Public Sphere, by Robert Cox" and would like to blog my perspectives through the duration of reading the book. Taking note, to achieve a better understanding, and share my ideas on the various topics of the book. Enjoy!
Environmental Communication, a field of study that is growing with great potential for significant impact. I believe this is true, because the propagation of environmental concerns are now becoming more mainstream. When media promotes these issues, the public is better able to achieve an attitude that contributes to the resolution of crisis. With the growing number of scholars in the fields of communication, journalism, literature, science communication an social science, the media gains strength in creating influence.
A concrete definition of Environmental Communication is difficult to uphold. Being so broad, with various areas of study.. I really had liked Steve Depoe's definition quoted in the book "relationships between our talk and our experiences of our natural surroundings" also stating, the field is more than simply "talking" about the environment.
Emerging environmental organizations and campaigns are one of the greatest fields of influence. Organizations have the power to present ideas that directly influence the public. These ideas can create rise in concerns to one or more issues in the environment, and allows for attention to be gained within the community.
If greater attention is brought to the community, it will allow for citizens to have more opportunity to participate in creating a positive impact within their environment. From what I understand, people don't purposefully wish to degrade their home. It looks to be the results of misinformation. The book states that a number of scholars have scrutinized government agencies in the United States and other nations for restricting citizens of the opportunity to make a decision that impacts their environment.
To finish I would like to say, it is true to assume with a well informed society, it is more likely to have a greater amount of people become willing to participate in sustaining the environment.