ABSTRACT
An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a planning tool that identifies the consequences of any development prior to the start of the project. The process of identifying, predicting, evaluating and mitigating the biophysical, social and other relevant effects of development proposals prior to major decisions being taken and commitments made. The International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) is the leading global network on best practice in the use of impact assessment for informed decision making regarding policies, programs, plans and projects. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is one of a number of environmental management techniques. Pollution pathways need to be understood to be able to identify direct and indirect impacts, including global impacts. Ecosystems may be adversely affected by the activities of the organisation. Damage to a number of linked habitats will eventually have a damaging impact on the surrounding ecosystems.
