Environmental Impact Assessments (HL) (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)

• An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a systematic process for evaluating the potential environmental, social and economic impacts and sustainability of a proposed development project

• The purpose of an EIA is to:

  • Identify and evaluate the potential impacts of the project on the environment

  • Develop strategies to mitigate or avoid those impacts

• EIAs are used to:

  • Inform decision-making by government agencies, developers, and other stakeholders

  • Ensure sustainable resource management in development projects

Steps in EIAs

• The EIA process typically involves the following steps:

1. Scoping:

   • Defining the scope of the EIA

   • Identifying the key issues to be addressed

2. Baseline studies:

   • Collecting data on the existing environment

   • The purpose of a baseline study is to understand the physical and biological environment before the project begins

   • This ensures the project can be monitored throughout and after the development

   • A number of variables should be measured as part of the baseline study, including:

     • Habitat type and abundance: the total area of each habitat type should be recorded

     • Species list: the number of species (flora and fauna) present should be noted

     • Species diversity: the abundance of each species should be estimated and the diversity of the community should be calculated

     • List of endangered species present

     • Land use: the type of land use and its coverage should be assessed

     • Hydrology: the hydrological conditions in terms of volume, discharge, flows, and water quality should be evaluated

     • Human population: the current population should be assessed

     • Soil: the quality, fertility, and pH of the soil should be examined

3. Impact assessment:

   • Evaluating the potential impacts of the project on the environment, including both direct and indirect impacts

4. Mitigation measures:

   • Developing strategies to mitigate or avoid the potential environmental impacts of the project

5. Public consultation:

   • Engaging with stakeholders and the public to gather feedback and input on the proposed project and the EIA

6. Review and approval:

   • Reviewing and approving the EIA by relevant authorities, such as government agencies or regulatory bodies

7. Audits and continued monitoring after project completion

Projects requiring EIAs

• Many development projects may require an EIA, depending on their potential environmental impacts

• Examples of projects that may require an EIA include:

  • Mining and mineral extraction

  • Infrastructure development, such as highways and airports

  • Energy projects, such as wind farms and hydroelectric dams

  • Industrial facilities, such as chemical plants and oil refineries

  • Land use changes, such as deforestation or wetland reclamation

Variations in EIA Guidelines

• EIA guidelines differ between countries and regions based on factors such as legislation, environmental priorities, economic development and availability of resources

Key differences in EIA guidelines

• Regulatory frameworks:

  • Some countries enforce strict legal requirements (e.g. the European Union's EIA Directive)

  • Others may rely on voluntary or less detailed frameworks, especially in developing nations

• Scope of assessment:

  • Wider scopes include social, cultural, and economic impacts (in addition to environmental impacts)

  • In contrast, some EIA guidelines may only require a narrow focus, e.g. on ecological parameters

• Public involvement:

  • Guidelines vary in requiring stakeholder consultations

  • For example , the Aarhus Convention (Europe) ensures public access to EIA information and participation

  • In China, EIAs are required by law but are often criticised for limited public involvement

• Mitigation strategies:

  • Guidelines often require detailed plans to reduce harmful impacts

  • However, standards for these mitigation plans vary widely across countries and regions

Public Involvement in EIAs

• Involving stakeholders ensures transparency and fairness in decision-making

• Local communities can provide valuable insights about potential environmental and social impacts

• Engaging the public builds trust and increases the likelihood of local people accepting a development project

Methods of public participation

• Public hearings:

  • Stakeholders attend meetings to express concerns or support

• Consultation periods:

  • Authorities invite written feedback during specific phases of the EIA process

• Access to documents:

  • Publishing EIA reports online or in public offices allows interested members of the public to access the relevant information

Benefits of public involvement

• Improves decision-making:

  • Local knowledge can identify overlooked risks (e.g. impacts on rare or endemic species)

• Reduces conflict:

  • Early involvement can prevent disputes

  • This saves time and resources

• Promotes accountability:

  • Public oversight of the process encourages compliance with regulations

Challenges of public involvement

• Limited access:

  • In some regions, communities may lack information about EIA processes or reports

  • This may be due to less strict EIA frameworks in certain countries

• Unequal representation:

  • Marginalised groups may not have the resources or platforms to participate effectively in the EIA process

• Conflicts of interest:

  • Developers may resist changes suggested by the public due to cost concerns