Effective Environmental Assessment Research Articles

Next Generation Environmental Assessment in the Emerging High Seas Regime? An Evaluation of the State of the Negotiations

Abstract This article evaluates prospects for an effective environmental assessment (EA) regime through the biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) process and suggests improvements to the results of the negotiations as of March 2020. The review starts by offering key elements of existing international law as it relates to EA as context. Twelve elements of ‘Next Generation EA’ are introduced as a standard against which to evaluate the results of the negotiations and as inspiration for the EA elements of a new legally binding instrument. While the negotiations have established a reasonably solid basis for effective project level assessments, further improvements are needed. Much more work remains on regional and strategic assessments and the proper integration of the EA regime into effective governance of the world’s ocean.

Analysis of uncertainty consideration in environmental assessment: an empirical study of Canadian EA practice

Identifying and communicating uncertainty is core to effective environmental assessment (EA). This study evaluates the extent to which uncertainties are considered and addressed in Canadian EA practice. We reviewed the environmental protection plans, follow-up programs, and panel reports (where applicable) of 12 EAs between 1995 and 2012. The types of uncertainties and levels of disclosure varied greatly. When uncertainties were acknowledged, practitioners adopted five different approaches to address them. However, uncertainties were never discussed or addressed in depth. We found a lack of suitable terminology and consistency in how uncertainties are disclosed, reflecting the need for explicit guidance, and we present recommendations for improvement. Canadian Environmental Impact Statements are not as transparent with respect to uncertainties as they should be, and uncertainties in EA need to be better considered and communicated.