The most important step in environmental policymaking, Gunter believes, is enhancing our ecological awareness.

"To date we are only beginning to understand how things work in our environment, how we influence our surroundings and how different elements in the environment affect each other," Gunter said.  "Improving scientific, political, and most importantly, public understanding of these various relationships is vital for effective environmental policymaking."

Sometimes the need for energy, economic stability and environmental protection appear to be in conflict.  "Talking about the tension between economic development, including energy needs, and environmental protection is the easy way out," Gunter said.  "Yes, at times there will be notable tradeoffs between the two, but there are many more instances where the opposite is true.

"Really, what is at stake here is the tradeoff between short- and long-term interests, including both economic and ecological dimensions."

Gunter's studies focus on NGOs, environmental activism and sustainable development.  He received his Ph.D. and M.A. in political science from the University of Kentucky.  He is the son of TTU political science professor Michael Gunter Sr. and his wife, Judy, of Cookeville.