Methodological pluralism in environmental impact prediction and significance evaluation: A case for standardization?

• Published in: Environmental impact assessment review 2020-01, Vol.80, p.106320, Article 106320
• Main Authors: Fonseca, Alberto, de Brito, Ludmila Ladeira Alves, Gibson, Robert B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Administrative efficiency; Applied research; Brazil; Capacity building approach; Content analysis; EIA methods; Empirical analysis; Environmental assessment; Environmental impact; Environmental impact assessment; Evaluation; Impact prediction; Impact significance; Long term; Long-term effects; Methodological problems; Mixed methods research; Policy making; Predictions; Research methodology; Standardization; Terminology; Thresholds
• ISSN: 0195-9255; 1873-6432
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eiar.2019.106320

At the core of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process is the identification, prediction and evaluation of impacts, activities that are profoundly marked by case-specific differences and methodological pluralism. Despite difficulties, policy-makers are occasionally attracted to the idea of standardizing EIA methods. The objective of this study was to understand the merits of standardizing methods for impact prediction and significance evaluations, using Brazil as the empirical context. Based on a content analysis of 49 EIA reports, a survey with 126 practitioners, and a critical evaluation of two standardization initiatives, the study shows that, while generally perceived as beneficial, the standardization of EIA methods is likely to remain a rather challenging task in the foreseeable future. The high degrees of discretion taking place in the selection and implementation of impact prediction and significance evaluations are to a large extent a consequence of the difficulty of finding terminology, metrics, criteria, thresholds, boundaries, and values across different settings. Current standardization initiatives in Brazil are targeting some of the easiest methodological issues related to terminology and process. While relevant to administrative efficiency and process predictability, such issues represent a small piece of the complex puzzle of EIA effectiveness. Findings signal the need for clearer policy priorities, capacity building, and more applied research about the actual, long-term effects of standardization initiatives. •Standardization of environmental impact assessment methods is challenging.•Degrees of EIA methodological pluralism in Brazilian practice is characterized.•Practitioners perceive standardization as beneficial, but acknowledge challenges.•Current IA standards in Brazil target easiest methodological issues.•Discretion in the evaluation of alternatives and trade-offs need further studies.