Critical Analysis: Environmental Texts
Deconstructing Scientific & Policy Discourse
Reading Like a Detective: Environmental Texts
Environmental issues are complex, involving science, politics, economics, and culture. When we read about environmental topics, we need to be critical detectives, asking: Who wrote this? What's their purpose? What evidence do they use? What voices are missing? This analysis framework helps you decode environmental texts, from scientific papers to government policies to media reports.
The CREDIBLE Analysis Framework
C - Credibility (Pono)
Who wrote this? What are their qualifications? Do they have vested interests? Are they peer-reviewed scientists, government officials, or company representatives?
R - Recency (Tawhito/Hou)
When was this published? Environmental science moves fast - data from 10 years ago might be outdated. Policy changes rapidly too.
E - Evidence (Taunakitanga)
What evidence supports their claims? Is it data, expert opinion, case studies? Can you verify their sources? Do they cite peer-reviewed research?
D - Diversity (Kanorau)
Whose voices are included? Whose are missing? Do they include indigenous knowledge, community perspectives, or just expert opinion?
I - Intent (Whāinga)
What's the author's purpose? To inform, persuade, or sell something? Are they promoting a particular solution or agenda?
B - Bias (Whakapae)
What assumptions underlie the text? Do they present multiple viewpoints? What language choices reveal their position?
L - Language (Reo)
How do they use technical terms? Is the language accessible or exclusive? Do they use emotional appeals or neutral description?
E - Ethics (Tikanga)
What ethical frameworks inform the text? Do they consider environmental justice, intergenerational equity, and cultural values?
Practice Text: Climate Policy Excerpt
New Zealand's Climate Action Framework: Economic Opportunities
"New Zealand's transition to a low-carbon economy presents significant economic opportunities. Our analysis suggests that green technology investments could create up to 100,000 new jobs by 2030. The government's carbon pricing mechanism incentivizes innovation while ensuring business competitiveness. However, transitional support for traditional industries remains essential. Critics argue that the timeline is too aggressive, but international commitments under the Paris Agreement require decisive action. The framework prioritizes market-based solutions that balance environmental goals with economic growth."
Applying CREDIBLE Analysis
1. Credibility: What questions would you ask about the author of this text?
2. Evidence: What evidence does the text provide? What evidence is missing?
3. Diversity: Whose perspectives are represented? Whose voices might be missing?
4. Language: Identify three examples of language that reveals the author's position or assumptions.