Policy & governance
Environmental impact assessment
Definition
Environmental impact assessment is the process of identifying, predicting, evaluating and mitigating the biophysical, social and other relevant effects of development proposals prior to major decisions being taken and commitments made (IAIA definition). UNEP describes it as a tool to identify the environmental, social and economic impacts of a project before decision-making; the Espoo Convention defines it as a national procedure for evaluating the likely impact of a proposed activity.
References
UNEP definition, seven stages, SEA
treaty definition
IAIA definition, history, practice
Overview
What it means
Originating in the US National Environmental Policy Act (1969/70) and now used in more than 100 countries, EIA follows a broadly common sequence: screening, scoping, impact prediction and evaluation, reporting (environmental impact statement), review, decision, and monitoring. Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) applies the same logic to policies, plans and programmes.
How it is used
Required for major infrastructure and industrial projects under national laws, the EU EIA Directive, lender safeguards (IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles) and the Espoo Convention for transboundary effects.
Why it matters
EIA is the world's most widely practised environmental-management tool and the main legal channel for public participation in development decisions.