Environmental Impact Assessment and Sustainable Development

Environmental Impact Assessment: An Essential Tool for Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development: Sustainable development refers to meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is an approach that seeks to balance economic growth with environmental protection and social equity. The concept was introduced by the World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987, which defined sustainable development as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Related Terms: An EIA is a process that helps decision-makers understand the potential environmental impacts of their actions. EIAs are used internationally as a tool to ensure proposed actions are economically viable, socially equitable, and environmentally sustainable. They involve three types of reviews: the significance of impacts, the best available science, and public input. Different levels of assessments may be performed depending on the expected impact of a project:

• Environmental Impact Statements (EIS): These are comprehensive documents that analyze the potential effects of major projects. EISs identify potential impacts and propose ways to avoid or minimize negative effects.

• Environmental Assessments (EAs): EAs are simpler documents used when actions are unlikely to have significant effects or when impacts are difficult to predict. While public comment is optional, it's encouraged.

• Categorical Exclusions (CEs): Some projects fit into categories where impacts are considered to be so minimal that further analysis isn't needed. The process involves a quick determination of whether the project falls into a predefined category for which CE applies. Over 80% of USFS actions operate under CEs.

The EIA process can help protect the natural environment's four key services: provisioning (food, water, fiber), regulating (climate, water, diseases), cultural (spiritual, aesthetics, education, recreation), and supporting (soil formation, photosynthesis). By considering the environmental impact of decisions, EIAs contribute to sustainable development.