Impact Statements Research Articles

Challenges of environmental impact assessment in addressing environmental risk: insights from Brazilian practice in mining dams

ABSTRACT Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Risk Assessment (RA) are critical tools for assessing and managing environmental impacts and risks of projects. However, their integration remains a challenge. This study examines how EIA practices account for risks in evaluating the environmental feasibility of mining dam projects in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. We analyzed licensing processes for projects approved between 2004 and 2022, using data from the state’s environmental agency. Methods included documentary and content analysis of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and review reports. Among the 25 cases analyzed, most focused solely on risk control without performing RA. Only two cases included RA, and two others lacked any risk-related information. Review reports revealed that only two went beyond considering risk control when assessing environmental feasibility. This suggests decision-making relies on a narrow focus on risk control. Furthermore, there is a misalignment between the EIS content and the criteria for project acceptability in review reports. Finally, we explore how politicization may undermine the EIA’s role in objective, and evidence-based decision-making. These findings underscore the superficial and fragmented approach to addressing environmental risk in mining dam assessments in Minas Gerais.

Gender and race disparities in the evaluation of COVID-19 impact statements for tenure and promotion candidates

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted research productivity for many faculty members. As a result, many US universities began asking promotion and tenure candidates to create COVID-19 impact statements in hopes of mitigating the negative impact of these disruptions on tenure decisions. However, little is known about how such impact statements might be evaluated by promotion and tenure committees. This study examined whether such statements might be evaluated differently based on the gender and racial/ethnic categories of the faculty that submit them. Specifically, current US faculty were asked to evaluate hypothetical tenure dossiers that varied in race/ethnicity (Black/Latinx/White) and binary gender (Male/Female). Results indicated that female candidates were evaluated more favorably than male candidates. Specifically, participants thought that female candidate’s disruptions were more understandable, that their COVID-19 impact statements should be given more weight, and that they were more likely to vote to promote female candidates. There were no significant differences across candidates by race/ethnicity. The unexpected pattern of results suggests more research is needed to understand why such patterns emerged.

Controversies in our understanding of extreme hyperbilirubinemia in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-deficient neonates.

Despite declarations that kernicterus should be a "never-event", the condition continues to occur, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)-deficiency being a leading cause. In this paper, we address some controversies regarding the pathophysiology and the potential for extreme hyperbilirubinemia associated with G6PD-deficiency. We present evidence to demonstrate that G6PD-deficiency-associated neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is no longer limited to countries and geographic regions to which the condition was indigenous, but is also encountered in North America and other Western countries with a low inherent G6PD-deficiency frequency. Pathophysiologically, while a diminished bilirubin conjugative component is undoubtedly present, we present evidence that there is a component of increased hemolysis as well, contributing to the extreme, exponential hyperbilirubinemia associated with G6PD-deficiency. Extreme hyperbilirubinemia in G6PD heterozygotes, while less frequent than in male hemizygotes or female deficient homozygotes, has been reported, suggesting previous underestimation of the risks of heterozygosity. Universal neonatal screening for G6PD-deficiency, while not expected to prevent acute, episodic hyperbilirubinemia, should increase awareness, thereby facilitating earlier referral for treatment, prior to the onset of bilirubin encephalopathy. Finally, we speculate as to what the future looks like for babies with G6PD-deficiency, potential therapeutic stratagems, and the effect of G6PD-deficiency on medical conditions beyond the realm of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. IMPACT STATEMENTS: G6PD-deficiency is encountered in North America and Western countries previously thought to have a low frequency of the condition. Extreme, sudden neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is due, in the main, to increased hemolysis, an independent risk factor for neurotoxicity. Extreme hyperbilirubinemia may follow apparently resolved neonatal hyperbilirubinemia which had been treated by phototherapy. Female G6PD heterozygotes, previously thought to be unaffected clinically by G6PD-deficiency, while at low risk, may, nevertheless, develop extreme hyperbilirubinemia. Universal neonatal G6PD screening should be aimed towards increasing caretaker awareness and facilitating referral for treatment prior to the onset of bilirubin encephalopathy.

Trauma, truth, and testimony: analysing terrorism survivors’ victim impact statements

ABSTRACT Terrorism inflicts profound and enduring impacts on survivors and communities, yet the complex realities and needs of victims are often obscured in legal and policy discourses. This study examines the lived experiences of Israeli terrorism survivors through a qualitative thematic analysis of 28 victim impact statements submitted to courts from 2010 to 2023. The research uncovers the profound and enduring impact of terrorism on psychological, physical, social, and economic well-being. Pervasive grief, trauma, and irrevocable life changes emerge as central themes alongside the ripple effects on families and communities. Victims also describe daunting practical challenges in rebuilding their lives and express frustration with perceived leniency in sentencing and gaps in institutional support. While conveying urgent needs for comprehensive, trauma-informed assistance, the statements also reveal remarkable resilience and meaning-making in the face of horror. The article discusses the implications of developing more responsive, victim-centred policies and practices guided by the expressed priorities of survivors themselves. Key recommendations are outlined to foster a more humane and holistic response to the suffering of terrorism victims.

Impacts of ecosystem service message framing and dynamic social norms on public support for tropical forest restoration.

The effectiveness of strategic psychology-based marketing techniques for increasing public support for conservation is poorly understood. We assessed how such techniques affect support for tropical rainforest restoration with a controlled online experiment with 1166 nationally representative residents of the United Kingdom. We tested whether support increased when adding ecosystem service (ES) framings to typical nongovernmental organizations' (NGOs) biodiversity-focused messages that emphasize benefits to UK residents or people living near the tropical restoration site and a dynamic social norm nudge that emphasized increasing popularity of environmental restoration. We considered how respondents' psychological traits (nature connection, self-efficacy, psychological benefits of supporting charities, awareness of environmental degradation in the Global South, and climate change skepticism) influenced responses. Outcomes included respondents' reported advertisement sufficiency, sympathetic attitudes, behavioral support, and financial support. The study population typically found advertisements sufficient and exhibited sympathetic attitudes and financial, but not behavioral, support. Younger people exhibited greater conservation support than older respondents. Messages framed solely on biodiversity conservation were as effective as those highlighting additional ES benefits received by UK residents and people near the tropical restoration site. This suggests that framing around ESs, rather than nature's intrinsic value, may not strengthen public support for conservation. The dynamic social norm nudge had perverse effects. It reduced perceived social norms and most outcome variables. Alternative dynamic norm nudges warrant testing, but our results support research suggesting dynamic norm nudges can be ineffective when associated with activism, challenging their use by conservation NGOs. Psychological benefits of supporting charities and perceived self-efficacy increased support for advertisements, highlighting the benefits of including impact statements relating respondents' support to specific outcomes. Climate change skepticism decreased support, whereas nature connection and perceived static social norms increased it, highlighting the need to increase nature connection and pro-environmental social norms to elevate public support for conservation.

Can Korea maintain environmental standards? The implications of shifting EIA review privileges to ministerial affiliates

South Korea's environmental assessment (EA) system previously relied on the Korea Environment Institute for independent reviews of environmental impact statements. In mid-2022, review privileges were expanded to five institutions including four new organizations that are direct affiliates or subsidiaries of the Ministry of Environment. This diversification aims to improve the EA process, but concerns exist regarding the adequacy of the plans and the lack of prior preparation. The current expansion, focusing on Ministry of Environment affiliates, raises concerns about diminished autonomy and a potential regression in independent review. The authority's initiative to enhance the efficiency of the EA system through diversifying review institutions does not fundamentally address current needs in Korea. This paper argues the most urgent issues in the evolution of the current EA system in Korea. To ensure an effective EA system in the face of climate change and broader environmental challenges, reforms are needed. These reforms should prioritize strengthening consultant capabilities, ensuring independent reviews, reinstating the strategic EA function, and transitioning to a sustainability assessment system.

Comprehensive framework for analysis of EIA effectiveness: Evidence from Espírito Santo State, Brazil

To better understand the effectiveness of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and to support improvement efforts aimed at enhancing its genuine effectiveness, this study proposes a novel approach to evaluating EIA effectiveness. The proposed framework was applied to the EIA system of Espírito Santo state, Southeastern Brazil. Unlike previous research, which often examined EIA effectiveness in isolation, this study introduces a comprehensive framework for a multifactorial analysis of EIA effectiveness (procedural, substantive, transactive, and legitimacy). By integrating various dimensions of EIA effectiveness and conducting a systematic longitudinal analysis from 2007 to 2016, this research provides insights into the effectiveness of the EIA process in the analyzed context. Grounded in multidimensional aspects of EIA effectiveness, our heuristic methodological framework facilitates an in-depth examination of the complexity of analyzing the effectiveness of EIA, aiming to provide efficient and adaptive responses. We analyzed forty-seven case studies through a combination of fieldwork and desk analysis, employing documentary research and interviews for data collection, and document analysis, discourse analysis, and statistical analysis for data analysis. Additionally, a meticulous quality review of all Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) produced during the study period significantly enhances our understanding of the EIA system's effectiveness. Our analysis reveals a notable gap in EIS quality, particularly regarding impact identification and analysis. These gaps, along with the subsequent need for supplementary information, contribute to prolonged durations and increased costs in EIA processes. Weaknesses were also identified in the screening and scoping phases of the EIA process. Despite these challenges, we identified knowledge repositories, instances of learning, and benefits that the EIA has brought to projects. Overall, this research represents a significant advancement in understanding EIA effectiveness, offering valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers in the field. Additionally, the framework's adaptability to other contexts enhances its utility and relevance beyond the study area.

Beyond environmental harm: Industry claims, lived experiences, and the impacts of gas extraction

The peer-reviewed literature presents overwhelming evidence that fossil fuel based energy infrastructure projects are responsible for lower residential property values, environmental destruction and pollution that decrease residents' quality of life. These projects also challenge local people's sense of identity and even the threat of such a project can make residents question their sense of place. As evidence, we first present a bibliographic analysis of the environmental impact statements for the Mountain Valley Pipeline in West Virginia and the Jordan Cove Energy Project in Oregon. We find that their approval processes relies on non-peer-reviewed, industry-funded claims that pipelines will bring economic benefit and will have no effect on property values. Second, through original interview data gathered between 2019 and 2021 in West Virginia and in 2021 in Oregon, we engage with the concepts of sense of identity and sense of place to demonstrate that regardless of the local context, fossil fuel based energy infrastructure projects cause more than environmental damage; they trigger emotional reactions in residents that see or fear seeing their everyday lives upended. Taken together, this Perspective contributes to the emerging field of emotional energy geography to show how the plans and implementation of oil and gas pipelines become crucial turning points in residents' lives.

Consideration of Climate Change on Environmental Impact Assessment in Tanzania: Challenges and Prospects.

The potential of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process to respond to climate change impacts of development projects can only be realized with the support of policies, regulations, and actors' engagement. While considering climate change in EIA has become partly mandatory through the EU revised Directive in Europe, African countries are still lagging. This paper assesses Tanzanian policies, laws, regulations, and EIA reports to uncover consideration of climate change impacts, adaptation, and mitigation measures, drawing from the transformational role of EIA. The methodology integrates content analysis, interpretive policy analysis, and discourse analysis. The analyses draw from environmental policy, three regulatory documents and three EIA reports in Tanzania using a multi-cases study design. The aim was to understand how considering Climate Change issues in EIA has played out in practice. Results reveal less consideration of climate change issues in EIA. The policy, laws, and regulations do not guide when and how the EIA process should consider climate change-related impacts mitigation and adaptation. The practice of EIA in the country is utterly procedural in line with regulations provisions. Consequently, environmental impact statements only profile the climatology of the study area without conducting a deeper analysis of the historical and future climate to enhance the resilience of proposed projects. The weakness exposed in the laws and regulations contributes to the challenges of responding to the impacts of climate change through the EIA process. It is possible to address climate change issues throughout the project life cycle, including design, approval, implementation, monitoring, and auditing, provided the policy and regulations guide how and when the EIA process should consider climate change issues. Additionally, increasing stakeholders' awareness and participation can enhance the EIA process's potential to respond to the impacts of climate change.

Environmental impact assessments should include rigorous scientific peer review

Twenty USA states or jurisdictions and 125 nations have modeled national environmental policies after the National Environmental Policy Act. That act mandates that federal agencies initiate environmental impact statements (EISs) when substantive environmental or human health consequences are likely because of an agency action related to proposed development projects. The science used to inform the EIS process, however, does not require independent scientific peer review (ISPR) in the USA or most other nations. But ISPR is needed for governments to accurately inform the EIS decision-making and public reporting processes. Instead, science is routinely manipulated during EIS reviews to generate expedient project outcomes with substantially negative ecological, political, and long-term economic consequences. We provide four examples of EISs that lack ISPR, as well as four examples where reviews by independent scientists were helpful to improve agency decisions. We also recommend that independent scientists (no affiliation with the project proponents or agencies overseeing projects) be used to help assess potential environmental and socio-economic impacts, as well as offer appropriate risk assessments, study designs, and monitoring timeframes. We conclude that nations should convene formal reviews using independent scientists as a form of peer review in the EIS process.

Understanding the Relation Between Agency and Communion and Victim Impact Statements

Victim impact statements (VIS) have been widely introduced across different jurisdictions. Although early research examined the impact of VIS on sentencing outcomes, more recently researchers have focussed on their effects on victim posttraumatic stress symptoms. This article offers a different framework to this therapeutic approach. Instead, we emphasize that victims’ affective experience can be conceptualized using the Big Two Framework of agency and communion. Victims suffer damage to their sense of agency—status, respect, and the like—and communion—their experiences of connectedness to others. VIS could provide an opportunity to restore these orientations to self and others. Our research offers an empirical investigation into this framework. Victims who delivered an oral VIS in a Dutch criminal court completed an online survey on their experiences (N = 118). In addition, we conducted in-depth interviews to enrich the information from the survey (N = 24). The results show that both agency and communion-related aspects are present when victims talk about their experiences. Victims, for instance, mention feeling stronger—agency and also to be able to help others—communion. The agency aspect of being heard is apparent both in the survey the interview results. These findings suggest that both agency and communion seem to play a role in the effects of delivering a VIS. Implications of the agency and communion approach are discussed.

A Quality Review of EIA: A Comparative Study of State-Funded and International Aid Agency-funded Development Projects in Sri Lanka

A development project's environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a tool for mitigating the effects on the environment and promoting sustainable development. EIA is an expensive and professionally engaged process that involves the public. Many countries around the world have long-standing laws in place connected to this topic, as well as solid knowledge and experience. One persistent argument against the efficacy of EIA in developing nations is that the procedure and quality differ from country to country. The International Aid Agencies (IAA) have their guidelines for protecting the environment while following local environmental assessment standards for any financing requirements. IAA involvement in the EIA process might significantly affect how well- written EIA reports are. To evaluate the assessment quality, six EIA reports from state-financed development projects (SL-EIAs) and another six development projects EIAs funded by the IAA (IAA-EIAs) in Sri Lanka were randomly chosen. LeeCooley review package (1990) was used to evaluate the Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) of each EIA. In this investigation, it was discovered that IAA-EIAs and SL-EIAs had a significant difference in overall quality. IAA-EIAs show values that range from highly satisfactory to satisfactory and each share 50 percent, whereas SL-EIAs indicate 83 percent satisfactory and 17 percent of borderline quality. In comparison to the SL-EIAs, all four review areas of the IAA-EIAs performed notably well. While the SL-EIA shows good to borderline quality (0.66-0.72), all evaluated IAA-EIA reports reveal highly satisfactory to satisfactory (0.81-0.93) quality. The engagement of IAA in the environmental assessment has a considerable impact to improve assessment quality in comparison to the only domestic assessment. Finding the weak area in the SL-EIA process and adhering to the IAA standards would elevate the standard of the report.
 Keywords: EIA quality, Review, International Aid Agency, Development projects

Methodology for Exploring Water and Hydropower Operating Criteria That Simultaneously Improve Economic and Environmental Considerations

Despite the reliability and flexibility of hydropower, the operation of hydroelectric power plants may have significant impacts on the downstream river system, including its water stage, sediment transport, and water temperature, ultimately affecting the ecology. To address these challenges, there is a need to identify water scheduling patterns that improve both hydropower economics and the environment relative to current operations. This paper presents a new methodology to explore promising operational criteria/rules that can achieve such improvements. Typical environmental impact statements and relicensing processes generally perform detailed site-specific analyses of a few alternatives that focus on reservoir water release operating rules and their associated environmental impacts. In contrast, the methodology presented in this article uses a widely applicable approach that explores a much larger solution space. This large set of potential alternatives can be represented in a multidimensional space for which one axis represents the economic value and the other axis quantify individual environmental impacts (e.g., sediment transport and fish growth), and they are explored via two approaches: a Monte Carlo simulation that identifies “win–win” alternatives and a multi-objective optimization problem that identifies Pareto-optimal alternatives.

EXPLORING GREEN MARKETING PRACTICES: INSIGHTS FROM MARKETING MANAGERS ON ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Creating and promoting items according to their perceived or actual environmental sustainability is referred to as "green marketing." Two instances of green marketing involve highlighting the reduced emissions linked to a product's manufacturing process or using recycled materials in product packaging. Some companies might further position themselves as mindful businesses by giving a portion of their sales profits to environmental projects like planting trees. Green marketing is part of a broader trend toward socially and environmentally friendly business practices. Consumers are increasingly expecting companies to demonstrate their commitment to improving their operations while also following to various environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.To continue to achieve this, a lot of businesses will continue to send out social impact statements in which they transparently track their advancement toward these goals on a regular basis. Reducing the carbon emissions linked to the company's operations upholding strict labor laws both domestically and in foreign supply chains, and charitable endeavors aimed at benefitting the communities where the company operates are common examples of ESG-related improvements. Green marketing, while primarily referring to environmental measures, is increasingly being offered alongside with corporate governance and social goals. Based on a survey of 120 marketing managers, a collection of green marketing practices is identified in this article.

Mapping provision and evaluation practices in local community health and wellbeing programmes delivered by professional sports clubs in the United Kingdom: A practice-based targeted review

Abstract Professional sports clubs (PSCs) are potentially effective settings for health promotion, however, their role within policy is unclear. Potential reasons include lack of awareness about existing provision of health and wellbeing (H&W) programmes delivered, and adequacy of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) practices. This review aimed to: (i) map the provision of H&W programmes delivered by PSCs in the United Kingdom (UK); and (ii) explore current M&E practices of PSCs and consider the policy implications of this. To conduct this practice-based targeted review, websites from eight professional sport leagues were hand-searched for programmes and impact reports, amounting to the inclusion 116 PSCs. Suitable programmes were quantified, whilst impact reports were analysed via inductive documentary content analysis. Results identified 127 H&W programmes that met our inclusive criteria. A total of 36 impact reports were retrieved, presenting engagement figures and anecdotal case studies as the most common evaluation methods. Additionally, 43 H&W impact statements were identified within the impact reports, but only 14 were aligned to specific H&W outcomes. None were supported by measurement-tool-driven data, and reporting of data collection timeframes and participant numbers were also rare. Findings illuminate the provision of H&W programmes delivered by UK-based PSCs and their health promotion priorities. However, the H&W aims of programmes are typically vague, measurement tools are rarely used, and evaluations are usually anecdotal which may limit the potential uptake of these programmes and PSCs generally in relevant public health policy. Further research is thus needed on the challenges faced when seeking to monitor and evaluate programmes effectively and to build a stronger evidence base for the use of PSCs as vehicles of health promotion.

Mapping the provision and evaluation practices of local community health and wellbeing programmes delivered by professional sports clubs in England: a practice-based targeted review

ABSTRACT Professional sports clubs (PSCs) are potentially effective settings for health promotion; however, their role within policy is unclear. Potential reasons include lack of awareness about existing provision of health and wellbeing (H&W) programmes and adequacy of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) practices. This review aimed to: (i) map the provision of H&W programmes delivered by PSCs in the United Kingdom (UK), and (ii) explore current M&E practices of PSCs and consider the policy implications of this. Websites from eight professional sport leagues were hand-searched for programmes and impact reports. Suitable programmes were quantified, whilst impact reports were analysed via inductive documentary content analysis. Results identified 176 H&W programmes and 36 impact reports, as well as 43 H&W impact statements, but only 14 of these were aligned to specific H&W outcomes. The H&W aims of programmes were typically vague, measurement tools were rarely used, and evaluations were usually anecdotal case studies and based on engagement figures, which may not only limit the potential uptake of these programmes but also the relevance of PSCs to public policy. Further research is thus needed to build a stronger evidence base for the use of PSCs as vehicles of public health promotion and policy, and to better address the challenges faced when seeking to monitor and evaluate PSC programmes effectively.

Parameters, practices, and preferences for regulatory review of emerging biotechnology products in food and agriculture.

This paper evaluates the U.S. regulatory review of three emerging biotechnology products according to parameters, practices, and endpoints of assessments that are important to stakeholders and publics. First, we present a summary of the literature on variables that are important to non-expert publics in governing biotech products, including ethical, social, policy process, and risk and benefit parameters. Second, we draw from our USDA-funded project results that surveyed stakeholders with subject matter expertise about their attitudes towards important risk, benefit, sustainability, and societal impact parameters for assessing novel agrifood technologies, including biotech. Third, we evaluate the regulatory assessments of three food and agricultural biotechnology case studies that have been reviewed under U.S. regulatory agencies and laws of the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology, including gene-edited soybeans, beef cattle, and mustard greens. Evaluation of the regulatory review process was based on parameters identified in steps 1 and 2 which were deemed important to both publics and stakeholders. Based on this review, we then propose several policy options for U.S. federal agencies to strengthen their oversight processes to better align with a broader range of parameters to support sustainable agrifood products that rely on novel technologies. These policy options include 1) those that would not require new institutions or legal foundations (such as conducting Environmental Impact Statements and/or requiring a minimal level of safety data), 2) those that would require a novel institutional or cross-institutional framework (such as developing a publicly-available website and/or performing holistic sustainability assessments), and 3) those that would require the agencies to have additional legal authorities (such as requiring agencies to review biotech products according to a minimal set of health, environmental, and socio-economic parameters). Overall, the results of this analysis will be important for guiding policy practice and formulation in the regulatory assessment of emerging biotechnology products that challenge existing legal and institutional frameworks.

Development and Evaluation of Impact Statements for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

Extension professionals often communicate program outcomes to external stakeholders using impact statements. We developed and evaluated four impact statements for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). We drafted the statements after conducting literature reviews for core content areas of EFNEP that include diet quality, food resource management, physical activity, and food safety. Subsequently, we evaluated the statements by facilitating expert panels made up of subject matter experts and communication professionals (n=14) from 12 Land-grant Universities. These impact statements aim to support EFNEP and other Extension professionals when communicating program value with key external stakeholders.

A quality review of EIA: A comparative study of state-funded and International Aid Agency funded development projects in Sri Lanka

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a tool for mitigating the effects of developmental projects on the environment and promoting sustainable development. EIA is an expensive, and professionally engaged process that involves the public. Many countries around the world have long-standing laws in place connected to this topic, as well as solid knowledge and experience. One persistent argument against the efficacy of EIA in developing nations is that the procedure and quality differ from country to country. The International Aid Agencies (IAA) have their guidelines for protecting the environment while following local environmental assessment standards for any financing requirements. IAA involvement in the EIA process might significantly affect how well-written EIA reports are. To evaluate the assessment quality, six EIA reports from state-financed development projects (SL-EIAs) and another six development projects EIAs funded by the IAA (IAA-EIAs) in Sri Lanka were randomly chosen. LeeCooley review package (1990) was used to evaluate the Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) of each EIA. In this investigation, it was discovered that IAA-EIAs and SL-EIAs had a significant difference in overall quality. IAA-EIAs show values that range from highly satisfactory to satisfactory and each share 50 percent, whereas SL-EIAs indicate 83% satisfactory and 17 % of borderline quality. In comparison to the SL-EIAs, all four review areas of the IAA-EIAs performed notably well. While the SL-EIA shows good to borderline quality (0.66-0.72), all evaluated IAA-EIA reports reveal highly satisfactory to satisfactory (0.81-0.93) quality. The engagement of IAA in the environmental assessment has a considerable impact to improve assessment quality in comparison to the only domestic assessment. Finding the weak area in the SL-EIA process and adhering to the IAA standards would elevate the standard of the report.

The relationship between victim impact statements and judicial decision making: An archival analysis of sentencing outcomes.

Victim impact statements (VISs) are testimonies that convey the emotional, physical, and financial harm that victims have suffered as the result of a crime. Although VISs are often presented to the court at sentencing, it is unclear whether they impact judicial decisions regarding sentencing. We did not have any formal a priori hypothesis but instead examined five research questions. The first two explored whether the relationship between the victim and the offender, as well as the type of crime, was associated with differences in the likelihood of VIS submission. The following two explored whether the presence of a VIS was associated with differences in sentencing outcomes (incarceration, probation, ancillary orders, parole eligibility). The final research question explored whether the number of VISs and the delivery format (oral vs. written) was associated with differences in sentencing outcomes. We coded and analyzed 1,332 sentencing rulings across Canada from 2016 to 2018 that included the phrase "impact statement." We coded for 87 variables, including information about the VIS, the victims and offenders, crime type, and sentencing outcomes. Overall, VISs are more likely to be delivered in cases in which the crime is more severe. Once we controlled for the type of crime, sentencing outcomes were unrelated to the presence of VISs. Sentences were longer when VISs were delivered orally than in written format and when more than one statement was submitted. The relationship between VISs and sentencing outcomes is closely tied to several extralegal factors and should be investigated further. This research offers insight into the mechanics of victim evidence at sentencing. The findings of this study have implications for lawyers, researchers, judges, victims, offenders, and other stakeholders in our legal systems. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).