Environment and public health
RIS ID
74534
Link to publisher version (URL)
Abstract
Over the past century, censorship in the areas of environment and public health has become increasingly important, for several reasons. First is the rise of powerful groups--notably governments, corporations and professions--with a vested interest in policies, practices or beliefs that are, or are thought to be, damaging to the environment or people's health. These groups have both a reason and capacity to censor. Second is the increased prominence of experts, such as scientists and doctors, with credibility due to their credentials and positions. When some of these experts try to speak out in a way that threatens vested interests, there is something to censor. Third is the rise of citizen movements, notably the modern environmental movement dating from about the 1960s and the more diffuse movements and initiatives concerning public health. These movements provide an audience for environmental and public health messages and a force that can sometimes challenge vested interests.
Publication Details
Martin, B. (2001). 'Environment and public health', in D. Jones (Eds.), Censorship: A World Encyclopedia (pp. 740-743). London: Fitzroy Dearborn.