Introduction

This chapter examines the links between science and the major stages of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process. Formal EIA processes were established by governments in North America during the early 1970s to satisfy growing public concerns over the environmental impacts of uncontrolled industrial and economic development. In response to ongoing weaknesses in EIA practice, government agencies in North America funded major initiatives – one American and one Canadian – to investigate possibilities for improving the scientific basis for EIA. It was clear that the ultimate purpose of EIA had been broadly recast in terms of sustainable development. In a major international review of EIA practice, B. Sadler observed the need to reconcile political, scientific, and administrative expectations within the EIA community to foster a more coherent and unified process for securing sustainable development decisions. The chapter concludes with a synthesis of major scientific developments associated with EIA since the early 1970s, highlighting important challenges and opportunities for practical implementation.