Environmental Impact Assessment

Impact assessment is a concept that evolved in the search for ways to render development and protection of the environment compatible in the complex and interdependent world of today. The speed, scale and character of contemporary technological and economic development, which has permitted material standards of living to reach high levels has also led to unforeseen effects on the very environmental assets that constitute the basis for sustained socio-economic development. It is becoming clear that air, water and soil must, of necessity be treated as precious natural resources requiring careful management. Simple cures for pollution problems are no longer sufficient. Basic theories and practices of impact assessment are given elaborate treatment in this book.