What role should science play in environmental decision-making?

Science is among many epistemological approaches that could be used to influence decision making with modern environmental issues. It is however, one of the more valid and often used methodologies in many environmental problems. Science should have a significant role in environmental decision-making based on it's ability to produce verifiable and repeatable results through a rigorous, peer-reviewed process. This process arms decision makers with data that can contribute positive outcome. It should be coupled with socio-economic, cultural and political influences to make a sound decision.
For example, decisions about the type, frequency and intensity of earthquakes, say in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, can be made with the added certainty that Earth has tectonic plates. That they are always moving and that with the specific type of slip-slide plate action of the Andreas Fault it is likely that they will happen again, that they will be proximal to the greatest point of pressure that builds up between two or more plates. Using this type of science to influence decision makers with planning for adequate earthquake protection and zoning in and around the metro area of San Francisco could save lives and help people prepare for future occurrences.

Scientists are the experts on environmental issues. Often times, environmental problems are brought into the political arena from the science community. However, the information provided by the scientists is not always easily understood by the general public. These complex issues can often become convoluted once they are discussed by politicians. The media also has a strong influence as it interprets information and decides what and what not to share with the public. Although the scientists are the experts as to the environmental problem and can advise and make predictions regarding future outcomes, they are not experts on policy making and foreign affairs. Therefore, science should meld with good policy practices to guide environmental decision-making. Scientists and policy makers must work together to solve our current environmental issues.