Net Risk: Environmental Information Design, Access, and Literacy

Abstract

This paper describes work-in-progress to understand how information technology is both an environmental problem and an environmental resource. My research questions include the following: I) How have environmental problems prompted the design of new information collection, processing and distribution systems? 2) What are the cultural and political effects of the massive amount of environmental information now available? 3) What is constraining access to environmental information? 4) What kinds ofliteracy are required for effective engagement with environmental iriformation? 5) Can environmental ethics be updated to encourage critical engagement with information technology?