Description: Environmental impact refers to the effect that human activities have on the environment, encompassing both negative and positive effects. This concept includes a wide range of factors, such as air and water pollution, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate change. Environmental impact is measured through various methodologies that assess how human actions alter ecosystems, public health, and natural resources. Understanding this impact is essential for developing sustainability strategies that minimize harm and promote a balance between human development and environmental conservation. Awareness of environmental impact has grown in recent decades, driven by scientific evidence of the adverse effects of industrial activity, intensive agriculture, and excessive resource consumption. Environmental impact assessment has become a key tool in project planning and management, helping to identify and mitigate risks before they materialize.
History: The concept of environmental impact began to take shape in the 1960s when reports documenting pollution and its effects on human health and the environment were published. One of the most significant milestones was Rachel Carson’s book ‘Silent Spring,’ published in 1962, which alerted the public to the use of pesticides and their impact on wildlife. Since then, international conferences, such as the 1972 Stockholm Conference, laid the groundwork for modern environmental legislation. In 1987, the Brundtland Report introduced the concept of sustainable development, emphasizing the need to consider environmental impact in economic development.
Uses: Environmental impact is used in various areas, including urban planning, natural resource management, and project evaluation. Environmental impact assessments (EIA) are key tools that allow governments and companies to identify and mitigate the negative effects of proposed projects, such as infrastructure construction, resource extraction, and industrial development. Additionally, it is applied in the formulation of environmental policies and in promoting sustainable practices in agriculture, industry, and transportation.
Examples: An example of an environmental impact assessment is the analysis conducted for the construction of a new road, where the effects on local wildlife, air and water quality are evaluated, and measures are proposed to mitigate any damage. Another case is the environmental impact study required for renewable energy projects, such as wind farms or solar plants, where the effects on the landscape and biodiversity are considered. Significant environmental impacts have also been documented in the fishing industry, where overfishing has led to declines in fish populations and alterations in marine ecosystems.
