Evidence-based policymaking is sometimes interpreted as use of science generally by policymakers, but its roots are in the use of social science research and evaluation to improve the design and implementation of governmental programs, including those promoting behavioral change. Communication itself can serve as a “soft” policy tool that can be less punitive and costly than laws and taxation.
Funding
2012-2013 Akerlof, K, & Kennedy, C. Harnessing social science to promote conservation: Mechanisms of decision making and behavioral change. Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation $20,000.00. [Link]
2019-2021 Akerlof, K, Sherman, E, & Downs, C. Sun protection without ecological harm: Promoting reef-friendly visitor behavior in National Parks. Resource Systems Group, Inc. & National Park Service $266,628.00.
2020-2021 Akerlof, K. Testing strategies to encourage sun protection behaviors that protect visitors and aquatic ecosystems. National Park Service, Chesapeake Watershed Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units $59,996.00.
Journal Articles and Book Chapters
Downs, C. A., Akerlof, K. L., Stien, D., Rodrigues, A. M., Diaz-Cruz, M. S., Quintana, G., & Fulton, D.. (2024). Sunscreen pollution is abated during the COVID-19 “Anthropause” of 2020 in two U.S. National Parks: Cape Lookout National Seashore and Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. Journal of Sea Research 200, 102510. [Link]
Akerlof, K. L., Sherman, E., Downs, C. A., Melena, S., Belman, D., Medina, O., & Lipsky, C. A.. (2023). Diagnosing sun protection behavioral barriers and identifying interventions for public health and the environment. Coastal Management 0(0), 1–18. [Link]
Akerlof, K. L., Loevenich, J., Melena, S., & Lipsky, C. A.. (2023). What’s local policy got to do with it? Testing the efficacy of federal interventions to protect coastal parks from sunscreen chemical pollution in Hawaii and North Carolina. Marine Policy 157, 105849. [Link]
Akerlof, K. L., Loevenich, J., Melena, S., & Lipsky, C. A.. (2023). Behaviorally segmented audiences for managing sunscreen chemical pollution risk in protected coastal natural resource areas. Risk Analysis risa.14152. (Early access online). [Link]
Akerlof, K. L.. (2023). Promoting environmentally friendly sun-protection behaviors among coastal state residents. Environmental Science & Policy 142, 121–130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2023.02.007. [Link]
Akerlof, K. (2016). When should environmental awareness be a policy goal? In V. Loreto, M. Haklay, A. Hotho, V. C. P. Servedio, G. Stumme, J. Theunis, & F. Tria (Eds.). Participatory sensing, opinions and collective awareness (pp. 305–336). Springer. [Link]
Other Publications
Alerlof, KL. (2022). Visitor sun protection in the National Parks: A report to the National Park Service. Fairfax, VA: George Mason University.
Alerlof, K, & Belman, D. (2019). National Park visitor sun protection behaviors & ecological effects: A literature review. Dept. of Environmental Science & Policy, George Mason University.
Alerlof, KL. (2019). A review of social norms for informing the reduction of corruption in natural resources management. Fairfax, VA: George Mason University. [Link]
Alerlof, K, & Kennedy, C. (2013). Nudging toward a healthy environment: How behavioral change research can inform conservation. White paper for the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Fairfax, VA: George Mason University. [Link]
Alerlof, K, & Maibach, EW. (2008). “Sermons” as a climate change policy tool: Do they work? Evidence from the international community. Global Studies Review 4(3), 4-6. [Link]
Media
Melena, S., & DiDonato, E.. (Aug. 30, 2024). New research shows how parks can support eco-friendly sunscreen use. Park Science: A National Park Service Magazine. [Link]
Leon, Z. (Sep. 10, 2021). Akerlof leads research team in Hawaii to study environmental impacts from sunscreen. News, GMU College of Science. [Link]
Barnett, M. (Apr. 20, 2020). To achieve sustainability, we need to go upstream in the design process. Behavioral Scientist. [Link]
