Environmental Framing Theory

Environmental Framing Theory is a new approach to conflict resolution and environmental policy disputes that aids in understanding how and why people act as they do in the context of a particular dispute. This training program guides users through the following three components of framing activities:

  • Framing Overview -- Understanding the general processes through which people think about and respond to environmental problems

  • Framing Choices -- Discovering the principal ways in which people "frame" environmental issues

  • Framing Training Activities -- Activities to guide facilitators and students through the processes of framing

 
Silver County Simulation

Learn about frames by applying the ideas to one or more of three Silver County environmental disputes. The Silver County Scenario introduces users to three common areas where conflict is prevalent in environmental policy decisions:
  • Forest Management: The Silver Forest is currently undergoing a 10-year review of its Management Plan, with three major options being evaluated on the basis of fire management, habitat protection, water resource protection, and visitor use criteria.
  • Growth Management: Silver County is in the process of choosing between two alternative growth paths. FuturePlan offers a continuation of existing growth patterns with a number of major new developments in rural areas of the county. The alternative, SmartPlan, concentrates growth in areas adjacent to the county's two major cities, while preserving rural areas.
  • Toxics Management: Silver Cliff is currently pursuing a variety of options for addressing environmental justice issues and cleaning up toxic contamination from old mining and milling operations along Slippery Creek.


After completing this online framing training, you should have the tools to apply environmental framing theory to conflicts in your city, town, or neighborhood.

Additional publications and training opportunities are available from the Environmental Framing Consortium.

Also available: General Environmental Dispute Simulation

Copyright © 2003-2005 Environmental Framing Consortium

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More detailed information, training opportunities, and information about our book,
Making Sense of Intractable Environmental Conflicts, is available from the Consortium.