The IES has published its updated 'introduction to environmental policy' series of briefing papers.
Reissued for 2025, these papers serve as introductory primers for IES members seeking to engage with environmental policy, either to analyse what policy means for them and their work, or to engage with policy makers to support an evidence-informed approach to policy.
Currently, policy decisions are increasingly relevant to the work of environmental scientists, so an understanding of policy and how it affects the environment is vital. Similarly, having environmental scientists who are engaged as change agents will be vital to creating a future where people and nature thrive.
Each paper is freely available to IES members, as well as participants at IES policy training sessions. The IES has also publishing a collection of policy engagement case studies: 'Speaking up for science', which is publicly available.
- Policy analysis and awareness
- Evidence-informed policy making
- Cost-benefit analysis for environmental policy
In addition, the IES has produced further primers covering policy-related topics, including:
Policy analysis and awareness
This paper provides a short introduction to some of the ways that environmental professionals can become more aware of environmental policy and how they can analyse its effects on their work. Providing an overview of all the basics necessary for environmental professionals to begin engaging in policy analysis, this paper should be viewed as an introduction to the wider range of policy-related skills needed for greater engagement in policy.
Read the full briefing for more information.
Evidence-informed policy making
The second paper in the series provides a short introduction to some of the ways that environmental professionals can use evidence to engage with policy issues, take part in advocacy, and increase the impact of their work. The role of environmental professionals and scientists remains of paramount importance to provide the voice of robust scientific evidence from the front lines of working with and within the natural world.
Read the full briefing for more information.
Cost-benefit analysis for environmental policy
This briefing paper gives a short introduction to cost-benefit analysis as a tool for engaging in environmental policy decisions. It outlines how to use cost-benefit analysis to better understand policies and their potential impact, as well as how to use cost-benefit analysis as a tool for policy influencing. It focuses on cost-benefit analysis as a policy tool, rather than other applications of cost-benefit analysis models.
Read the full briefing for more information.
Future papers in the series
Our introduction to environmental policy series will continue, with further policy primers set to be released later in 2025. Planned future topics include:
- Using government objectives and framing
- Impactful policy engagement and measuring impact
- Mapping the policy landscape
The IES has also published a collection of case studies on policy engagement: 'Speaking up for science', which provides examples of how professionals can engage with environmental policy effectively.
If there is a topic where you would like to see more information, please get in touch with Joseph Lewis, IES Policy Lead (joseph@the-ies.org).
