Environmental Impact Assessment: IB Environmental Systems & Societies Definition

Alistair Marjot

Written by: Alistair Marjot

Reviewed by: Jacque Cartwright

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What is an Environmental Impact Assessment?

In IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS), an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a crucial process used to evaluate the potential environmental effects of a proposed project or development before any decisions are made.

An EIA helps predict impacts on ecosystems, human health, and natural resources, ensuring that decision-makers consider environmental sustainability and social well-being. An EIA involves identifying, predicting, and assessing both positive and negative impacts, and proposing measures to mitigate any adverse effects. The EIA process encourages informed decision-making by highlighting the trade-offs between economic development and environmental protection.

Environmental Impact Assessment Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

Save My Exams has a great range of resources to explore the topic of Environmental Impact Assessments in more detail and master other key related terms and concepts such as resource sustainability and use of natural capital.

Explore our IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS) resources.

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Alistair Marjot

Author: Alistair Marjot

Expertise: Biology & Environmental Systems and Societies

Alistair graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Biological Sciences. He has taught GCSE/IGCSE Biology, as well as Biology and Environmental Systems & Societies for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. While teaching in Oxford, Alistair completed his MA Education as Head of Department for Environmental Systems & Societies. Alistair has continued to pursue his interests in ecology and environmental science, recently gaining an MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation with Edinburgh Napier University.

Jacque Cartwright

Author: Jacque Cartwright

Expertise: Geography Content Creator

Jacque graduated from the Open University with a BSc in Environmental Science and Geography before doing her PGCE with the University of St David’s, Swansea. Teaching is her passion and has taught across a wide range of specifications – GCSE/IGCSE and IB but particularly loves teaching the A-level Geography. For the past 5 years Jacque has been teaching online for international schools, and she knows what is needed to get the top scores on those pesky geography exams.

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