Define sustainable development. Trace the origin of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) from Cost Benefit Analysis.

 Sustainable Development is a concept that emerged in response to the need for harmonizing economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity. It encompasses a long-term approach to meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development seeks to strike a balance between economic, environmental, and social dimensions, recognizing that they are interconnected and interdependent. It is often described through the following key principles:

1. Environmental Sustainability: This principle emphasizes the responsible and sustainable use of natural resources, the preservation of biodiversity, and the mitigation of environmental degradation, including pollution and habitat destruction.
2. Economic Sustainability: Sustainable development promotes economic growth that is inclusive, efficient, and equitable. It seeks to ensure that economic activities generate benefits for all members of society and do not lead to excessive inequality.
3. Social Sustainability: Social sustainability focuses on the well-being of individuals and communities, aiming to create a just and equitable society where basic needs are met, human rights are respected, and social cohesion is maintained.
4. Inter-generational Equity: Sustainable development recognizes the needs and rights of future generations, meaning that current actions should not deplete resources or create problems that will burden future populations.
5. Intra-generational Equity: This principle stresses fairness and equity within the current generation, ensuring that marginalized or vulnerable groups are not disproportionately affected by development activities.

Origin of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) from Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA):

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process evolved as a response to the limitations of traditional Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA), particularly in addressing the environmental and social consequences of development projects. Here's a historical overview of how EIA emerged from CBA:

1. Early Emphasis on Economic Analysis: Historically, development projects and policies were primarily evaluated using Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA). CBA focuses on comparing the costs and benefits of a project, typically in monetary terms, to determine whether it is economically viable. While CBA is effective in assessing economic aspects, it often overlooked environmental and social impacts.
2. Recognition of Environmental and Social Concerns: In the mid-20th century, there was a growing awareness of the adverse environmental and social consequences associated with development projects. High-profile cases of environmental degradation and public opposition to projects, such as the construction of dams and highways, highlighted the need for a more comprehensive assessment process.
3. Introduction of Environmental Review Procedures: In response to public concerns and environmental activism, countries like the United States began implementing environmental review procedures for federally funded projects. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 in the U.S. required federal agencies to consider the environmental impacts of their actions and involve the public in decision-making.
4. Evolution into Environmental Impact Assessment: Over time, these environmental review procedures evolved into what we now know as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). EIA is a systematic process that assesses the environmental, social, and economic impacts of proposed projects or policies. Unlike traditional CBA, EIA considers a wider range of qualitative and quantitative factors, including ecological, cultural, and health impacts.
5. Global Adoption and Standardization: The concept of EIA gained international recognition in the 1970s and 1980s. The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm, 1972) and the World Conservation Strategy (1980) highlighted the importance of assessing the environmental impacts of development activities.
6. Legal Frameworks and Regulations: Many countries began enacting laws and regulations that mandated EIA for certain types of projects. These legal frameworks required project proponents to conduct and submit EIA reports for approval before commencing work.
7. Integration with Sustainable Development: As the concept of sustainable development gained prominence in the late 20th century, EIA became a crucial tool for ensuring that development projects align with sustainable development principles. EIA expanded beyond assessing negative impacts to also consider mitigation measures and alternatives that minimize harm to the environment and society.

In summary, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) emerged from the limitations of traditional Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) as a response to the increasing recognition of environmental and social concerns associated with development projects. EIA has since become a comprehensive and globally recognized process for assessing the impacts of projects, policies, and plans on the environment, society, and the economy. It plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable development by ensuring that development activities are carried out in a manner that balances economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being.

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