Environmental Impact Assessment

PLAN60411 Environmental Impact Assessment 15 Semester 1 Postgraduate Taught Level 7 Adam Barker Unit coordinator Amy Phillips Unit coordinator Planning, Property and Environmental Management 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 7.5 Environmental impact assessment (EIA) refers to the process of evaluating the likely significant environmental consequences of a proposed major development that may affect the natural and man-made environment before a development is given permission to proceed.  EIA can contribute to the design of projects, as well as to the decision-making process on whether the project should proceed or not.  It is a process that is undertaken worldwide by a wide range of jurisdictions and international organisations. As cities around the world continue to grow and evolve to accommodate expanding populations, EIA plays a critical role in guiding sustainable development. In both the UK and internationally, the EIA sector is experiencing significant growth as demand increases for robust, evidence-based assessments that support responsible planning and decision-making.A key feature of EIA is its proactive nature and, through the consideration and mitigation of potential environmental impacts throughout project development and execution, it can make an important contribution to sustainable development. However, the tool is at a key historical juncture. Its value in relation to the achievement of broader environmental goals is under scrutiny. It is crucial that academic and professional communities think carefully about its role within wider systems of environmental planning, management, and governance and are able to make a convincing, contemporary case for the tool.     Environmental impact assessment (EIA) refers to the process of evaluating the likely significant environmental consequences of a proposed major development that may affect the natural and man-made environment before a development is given permission to proceed.  EIA can contribute to the design of projects, as well as to the decision-making process on whether the project should proceed or not.  It is a process that is undertaken worldwide by a wide range of jurisdictions and international organisations. As cities around the world continue to grow and evolve to accommodate expanding populations, EIA plays a critical role in guiding sustainable development. In both the UK and internationally, the EIA sector is experiencing significant growth as demand increases for robust, evidence-based assessments that support responsible planning and decision-making.A key feature of EIA is its proactive nature and, through the consideration and mitigation of potential environmental impacts throughout project development and execution, it can make an important contribution to sustainable development. However, the tool is at a key historical juncture. Its value in relation to the achievement of broader environmental goals is under scrutiny. It is crucial that academic and professional communities think carefully about its role within wider systems of environmental planning, management, and governance and are able to make a convincing, contemporary case for the tool.  • Explain and assess the process, and underlying principles and concepts, of EIA • Explore the methods and techniques used in the stages of the EIA process. • Evaluate the operation of EIA in the UK and other countries.   Explain the stages and operation of the EIA process Describe and interpret current trends in EIA and assess their implications for future professional practice.  Evaluate the wider role of EIA in the context of sustainable planning and decision-making Apply impact assessment concepts to relevant sector-specific issues  Evaluate the advantages and limitations of different approaches to key stages of the EIA process   Identify and use reliable sources to justify claims about effective EIA practice and future trends Collaborate effectively by contributing to organisation and execution of group tasks Produce well-structured and well-written work that effectively communicates information, supports claims with clear and convincing evidence, and makes appropriate conclusions  Communicating findings clearly through suitable academic and professional formats In-person interactive lectures: 15 hours In-person workshops: 6 hours Canvas will be used to share readings, preparatory materials for workshops, and videos students can consult for further learning.   2 Written assignment (inc essay) 75% 3 Report 25% Feedback on submitted work will be provided within 15 working days via the VLE MSc Envtl Impact Asst & Mgmt MSc Envtl Impact Asst & Mgmt PGDT Taught Component Mandatory MSc Envtl Impact Asst & Mgmt MSc Envtl Impact Asst & Mgmt PGDT Taught Component Mandatory MSc Real Estate MSc Real Estate Development PGDT Taught Component Optional MSc Real Estate PT MSc Real Estate Development PT PGDT Taught Component Optional MSc Green Infrastructure MSc Green Infrastructure PGDT Taught Component Optional MSc Green Infrastructure MSc Green Infrastructure PT PGDT Taught Component Optional N INDICATIVE READING LISTRelevant Journals Journals that often carry articles on EIA and SEA include:  •    Environmental Impact Assessment Review •    Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal •    Journal of Environmental Assessment and Policy Management •    Journal of Environmental Planning and Management •    Journal of Environmental ManagementReading and references Please consult the online reading list throughout the semester available on the Blackboard course page. We have collated 100+ relevant readings, the majority of which are accessible online either as downloadable pdfs or via the University library’s subscriptions. The core textbook and topic-specific readings are both available here. You will be given direction as to relevant readings for individual and group tasks. We would also encourage you to engage with other readings on the reading list to gain a deeper understanding of each topic area. Please remember, to achieve the highest marks for your essay we expect you to have read and understood a wide range of literature to demonstrate knowledge and understanding. This will also aid your analytical skills which are also essential to essay-writing. Core eTextbook Glasson, J. and Therivel, R. (2019). Introduction to environmental impact assessment. New York, Routledge.    Lectures 21 0 129