Using Environmental Data for Campaigns
Historically, many might have seen environmental data as only being relevant for those who are explicitly campaigning for nature-based causes. However, as global activities contributing climate change and global warming disrupt systems in a wider variety of domains, it is becoming clear that anyone looking to make systemic impact on society has to use environmental information to inform their decisions and provide evidence for the current state of community health.
What is Environmental Data?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes environmental data as “any measurements or information that describe environmental processes, location, or conditions; ecological or health effects and consequences; or the performance of environmental technology.” Sometimes, this data is a direct measurement of particles or temperatures of a set amount of time. In many cases, estimates and models have to be made based on previous knowledge of sources and historical data due to the large amount of resources it might take to routinely measure values.
Supporting Campaigns
Environmental justice, “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, colour, national origin, or income,” has become a unifying movement for the relevance of environmental data in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies of an equitable society for all. Even if your campaign has no explicit goal involving the environment, making the case with addition of environmental data can add to your evidence of current marginalisation as well as avenues for structural solutions if you are advocating for an equitable environment for any community.
Environmental data also helps you avoid advocating solutions that may solve one social issue at the expense of creating a supply chain or consumption demand from the environment that will make life more difficult for people in the longer term.
“Even if your campaign has no explicit goal involving the environment, making the case with addition of environmental data can add to your evidence of current marginalisation as well as avenues for structural solutions if you are advocating for an equitable environment for any community.“
Tips on Environmental Data for Campaigns
Discuss the data with experts.
Don’t be afraid to check with experts in the field to ensure that the data is being correctly aligned with the impacts and evidence you have seen for your campaign.
Read the accompanying document on how to use the data
This document usually gives you insight into how they put the data together, the intention, and any limitations in use.
Investigate the sources
Research who was commissioned to collect or present the data as environmental data does not just appear. Check for potential bias that could affect the value or accuracy of the data.
Don’t overvalue the impact of the data on your campaign
The data is meant to support your campaign strategy and evidence but it should never overshadow or singlehandedly decide the narrative of your campaign.