Environmental Studies Library Guide

What is a policy brief?

A policy brief is a concise account of the findings and recommendations of a research project. The purpose of a policy brief is to convince the target audience of the urgency of the current problem and the need to adopt the preferred alternative or course of action outlined. It is a call for action.

Standard format of a policy brief:

• Executive summary - provide an overview of the issue/topic
• Introduction - explain the significance of the issue
• Approach and results - provide a summary of the facts, describe the issue and context, outline research, describe the current study
• Conclusion - interpretation of data
• Implications and recommendations - discuss what could happen, make recommendations about what should happen, use evidence to support recommendations

Examples

What is a white paper?

A white paper is a document used to inform readers on a particular topic/issue with the intention of using authoritative knowledge and research to argue for a specific solution.

Standard format of a white paper

• Abstract - overview of main points
• Problem Statement - explicitly states the issue the paper will address
• Background - provides the reader with the background information needed to become familiar with the issue being presented
• Solution - using the gathered evidence present a solution to the issue
• Conclusion - summarizes major findings
• References - list of sources used

Examples