Thinking Critically about Environmental Mediation

Abstract

Environmental mediation is a well-established sub field of dispute resolution-with a substantial literature documenting case studies, mediation techniques, and processes—that is beginning to be institutionalized at the federal level. Critics of the practice have raised concerns that merit careful consideration about issues such as the co-optation of environmental and citizens groups, protection of the public interest, and power imbalances. Three questions that arise from a critique of environmental mediation are explored here. First, how will evolving political climates, individual values, and world-views influence adoption of environmental mediation? Second, what does recent research tell us about assessing environmental mediation's successes and its applicability to different kinds of environmental disputes? Finally, what is the planner's role in mediating environmental disputes?