Why environmental literacy?

Some big picture thoughts/conclusions based on the literature review conducted for SIS 495. I want to capture these ideas!

-INTERDISCIPLINARY: Interdisciplinary nature of environmental sciences matches the interdisciplinary nature of information science.

-COMPLEXITY: Complex environmental issues and data necessitate literacy.

-PARTICIPATION: Environmental issues are participatory and involve participation of citizens in things like data collection (citizen science) and policy decisions (voting). Generation Y (today's college students) is known for its spirit of volunteerism. Higher education a good fit for a course enabling informed participation in environmental issues.

-STANDARDS: Science standards map to ACRL information literacy competencies. There is a clear similarity. See Manuel K. 2004 for an comparison chart.

-MANDATING LEGISLATION: National legislation passed in 1992.

-VARIABLES: To assess environmental literacy, look at knowledge, skills, and participation. Must operationalize these concepts. Relate the concept to empirical indicators.