Lecture 2 Flashcards
What is EA?
A process designed to identify the potential environmental impacts of a project or action. used to help countries work towards more sustainable development
What is sustainable development?
Develoment that meets the needs of todays generation without compromising those of future generation
What are the 2 basic steps of EA?
- Impact identification
2. Impact Avoidance/ mitigation
Is EA technical or political?
both
When was EA introduced?
In 1969 it was introduced as the US National Environmental Policy- motivated by public concern regrding the quality of the environment and the lack of environmental and social considerations in the decision making process for major projects
What did the 2002 Earth Summit result in?
3 major agreements focused on changing traditional thoughts and approaches to development
and 2 legally binding conventions to prevent global climate chnge and the destruction of biodiversity
What did Agenda 21 state?
Set of principles providing gudance on acheiving sustainable development.
(Nations are not legally obligated to comply wiht it)
What did the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development state?
Principles suporting agenda 21, defines the responsibilities and rights of States with respect to achieving sustainable development
What did the statement of forest principles outline?
underlying set of principles for worldwide sustainable forest management
What did the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change State?
Legally binding international convention to stabalize greenhouse gas emissions and concentrations in the atmosphere
What did the Convention on Biodiversity state?
Legally binding international convention to conserve biology
What is a short term goal of EA?
To inform decision makers of the potentially significant environmental effects and risks associated with development proposals
- Improve environmental design of projects
- Resource use is efficient and appropriate
- id appropriate measures for mitigating impacts
- facilitating informed decision-making
What are long-term objectives for EA?
- Protecting human health and safety
- Avoiding irreversible changes and serious environmental damage
- Safeguard calued resources, ecosystem components, and natural areas
- enhancing the social aspects of the proposal
What are the 3 core values of EA?
Integrity, Utility and Sustainability
What is EA integrity?
The process should meet internationally accepted requirements and standards of practice