It changes, or cuts out altogether, information intermediaries, be they government, environmental organizations, business, or the press. Increasingly the public also has the tools for interpreting and analyzing data. Increased access to information can even the playing field between lay people and experts in environmental debates. Yet it also raises questions about data quality and important concerns about misinterpretation and accountability. Third is a blurring of the roles of citizens and government.
Information sharing can create new roles for citizens in managing environmental problems.
It allows the public to play an increasing role in monitoring compliance and exerting pressure. Interestingly, one of the best ways to access this information is not through government at all. It also gives the public opportunities to communicate their concerns directly to facility operators and regulators. In short, the Internet opens up a host of opportunities for greater involvement of those outside of government in environmental management. Like the medium itself, it can bring together a diffuse and disaggregated citizenry into highly coordinated management arrangements not previously possible.