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Question 1
1. Critically analyse the role and ability of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) in
overcoming the shortcomings of EIA.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has long been recognized as an essential tool for assessing
the potential environmental impacts of specific projects or developments. However, its scope and
effectiveness have limitations, particularly when it comes to addressing broader, long-term, and
cumulative environmental impacts. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) emerged as a
response to these limitations, providing a framework to assess the environmental consequences of
policies, plans, and programs (PPPs) at a more strategic level. This analysis explores the role of SEA
in overcoming the shortcomings of EIA, highlighting its broader scope, proactive approach, and
ability to influence decision-making at earlier stages.
The Shortcomings of EIA
EIA is traditionally focused on assessing the environmental impact of individual projects (Fischer,
2007). Some of its primary shortcomings include:
Narrow Scope: EIA is project-specific, often failing to address cumulative impacts arising from
multiple, related projects. It typically assesses environmental impacts only at the local level and
at a specific point in time, overlooking long-term or regional effects (O’Riordan et al., 2005).
Late Integration into Decision-Making: EIA often occurs late in the planning process, meaning
that decision-makers may already be committed to a particular project (Sadler, 1996). This
limits the ability to influence the design or alternatives that could minimize environmental
damage.
Reactive Nature: EIA tends to be reactive, addressing potential environmental impacts after the
initiation of projects, rather than considering how to prevent them at the planning stage.
Lack of Holistic Approach: EIA typically fails to integrate social, economic, and
environmental dimensions comprehensively, often treating them as separate entities rather than
interconnected factors (Glasson et al., 2005).
The Role of SEA in Overcoming EIA Shortcomings
SEA is designed to assess the environmental, social, and economic consequences of policies, plans,
and programs, thereby offering several advantages over traditional EIA (Hughes, 2004). Some key
roles of SEA include:
Broader, Strategic Focus: SEA focuses on the higher-level planning and policy-making
processes, allowing for a more holistic view of potential impacts. By assessing the cumulative
impacts of multiple projects and broader trends, SEA provides a comprehensive understanding
of how a range of activities may interact to affect the environment (Noble, 2000).
Question 1
1. Critically analyse the role and ability of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) in
overcoming the shortcomings of EIA.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has long been recognized as an essential tool for assessing
the potential environmental impacts of specific projects or developments. However, its scope and
effectiveness have limitations, particularly when it comes to addressing broader, long-term, and
cumulative environmental impacts. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) emerged as a
response to these limitations, providing a framework to assess the environmental consequences of
policies, plans, and programs (PPPs) at a more strategic level. This analysis explores the role of SEA
in overcoming the shortcomings of EIA, highlighting its broader scope, proactive approach, and
ability to influence decision-making at earlier stages.
The Shortcomings of EIA
EIA is traditionally focused on assessing the environmental impact of individual projects (Fischer,
2007). Some of its primary shortcomings include:
Narrow Scope: EIA is project-specific, often failing to address cumulative impacts arising from
multiple, related projects. It typically assesses environmental impacts only at the local level and
at a specific point in time, overlooking long-term or regional effects (O’Riordan et al., 2005).
Late Integration into Decision-Making: EIA often occurs late in the planning process, meaning
that decision-makers may already be committed to a particular project (Sadler, 1996). This
limits the ability to influence the design or alternatives that could minimize environmental
damage.
Reactive Nature: EIA tends to be reactive, addressing potential environmental impacts after the
initiation of projects, rather than considering how to prevent them at the planning stage.
Lack of Holistic Approach: EIA typically fails to integrate social, economic, and
environmental dimensions comprehensively, often treating them as separate entities rather than
interconnected factors (Glasson et al., 2005).
The Role of SEA in Overcoming EIA Shortcomings
SEA is designed to assess the environmental, social, and economic consequences of policies, plans,
and programs, thereby offering several advantages over traditional EIA (Hughes, 2004). Some key
roles of SEA include:
Broader, Strategic Focus: SEA focuses on the higher-level planning and policy-making
processes, allowing for a more holistic view of potential impacts. By assessing the cumulative
impacts of multiple projects and broader trends, SEA provides a comprehensive understanding
of how a range of activities may interact to affect the environment (Noble, 2000).
