Environmental Impact Assessments Topic 2: H-J

Intrinsic Value What does intrinsic value mean? What are examples of things that have intrinsic value even if they cannot be used as goods or services? Is it possible to quantify their value into monetary terms? What would arise if you tried to do this?

Environmental Impact Assessments An EIA is a government study prepared before a development project that will change the use of land. Occurs during the planning process. What types of major developments would need an EIA study? First, a baseline study is necessary in order to determine what the environment is like prior to development. They are usually followed by continued monitoring if the development goes forward.

To Develop or not to Develop…. EIAs are performed in order to determine whether or not the development should occur. The EIA weighs up the relative advantages and disadvantages of the development. Advantages of development? Disadvantages of development? It will try to predict and evaluate the possible negative impacts and suggest mitigation strategies for the project.

Evaluate the use of EIAs In order to truly compare 2 things, a “common denominator” must be found. What is used? EIAs compare the economic growth to the social and environmental costs of the development by translating these into monetary values. Ex: number of jobs provided, net profit of the development versus land degradation, habitat loss, pollution, human health, etc. Benefits of performing EIAs: Difficulties in performing EIAs: