GEOG471 Impact Assessment and Sustainability

Overview

The origins and principles of impact assessment (IA); the international state of IA; recent changes in New Zealand; methodology and IA; problems with IA practice, their causes and possible remedies.

Impact assessment is the most widely used environmental management process around the world, but its effectiveness is often limited by weak practice. This paper seeks to improve practice by developing a theory-based model of impact assessment relevant to its use in ecological, social, cultural, health and policy contexts. The paper is as relevant to international students as it is to New Zealand students, as the emphasis is on shaping impact assessment processes relevant to the decision-making context.

About this paper

Eligibility

The paper is available to students at or above 400-level across the campus. A background in some aspect of environmental or social/political science is preferable.

Contact

geography@otago.ac.nz

More information link

View further information about GEOG 471

Teaching staff

Course Instructor to be advised. Please contact the department for more information.

Paper Structure

Topics covered include scoping and prediction, public participation, evaluating the significance of impact and reviewing for quality control. The paper is relevant to students from all backgrounds who have an interest in managing the natural, physical and social systems that make up our environment in more sustainable ways.

Assessment is 50% internal (on-going during the semester) and 50% external (final examination).

Teaching Arrangements

Two 2-hour lectures per week (includes practical workshops and group work).

Textbooks

Textbooks are not required for this paper.
Readings are prescribed as required.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

Communication, Critical thinking, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the paper students will be able to:

• Develop an understanding of the intentions and role of IA and, in particular, to identify who benefits from the process and how
• Emphasise the different levels and forms of impact assessment
• Highlight the importance of methodology in IA activities and to clarify the relationship with scientific studies
• Increase the understanding of the New Zealand IA processes
• Emphasise the role and importance of public involvement in the IA process
• Develop practical skills and confidence in undertaking impact assessment studies

Timetable

Overview

The origins and principles of impact assessment (IA); the international state of IA; recent changes in New Zealand; methodology and IA; problems with IA practice, their causes and possible remedies.

Environmental Impact Assessment is one of the most widely used environmental management processes around the world, but its effectiveness is often limited by weak practice. Addressing these problems requires a paradigm shift towards more transformative impact assessment practises that embrace the principles of sustainability, interdisciplinarity, and scientific evidence-based decision-making to drive meaningful change towards a more resilient future.

This paper will be of interest to students from all backgrounds who have an interest in managing the ecological and physical systems that make up our environment in more sustainable ways. It examines current impact assessment processes and their application in environmental decision-making, with a focus on shifting from traditional impact assessment practises towards more holistic, participatory, and forward-looking approaches. The paper emphasises the scientific principles and tools that underpin effective impact assessment practises, while also exploring the social, cultural and bio-physical dimensions of the environment.

About this paper

Eligibility

The paper is available to students at or above 400-level across the campus. A background in some aspect of environmental science is preferable.

Contact

geography@otago.ac.nz

More information link

View further information about GEOG 471

Teaching staff

Course coordinator:  Dr Teresa Konlechner

Paper Structure

Topics covered include practical experience with impact assessment processes, evaluating the significance of environmental impact, environmental monitoring and reporting, and the ecological, physical social and cultural aspects of transformative impact assessment. The paper also considers new approaches to holistic environmental management, such as the use of nature-based solutions.

Assessment is 60% internal (on-going during the semester) and 40% final examination.

Teaching Arrangements

One 2-hour lecture per week (includes practical workshops and group work).

Textbooks

Textbooks are not required for this paper.
Readings are prescribed as required.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

Interdisciplinary perspective, Communication, Critical thinking, Environmental literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

Learning Outcomes

Students will achieve the following outcomes by the end of the paper:

• The development of practical skills and confidence in undertaking impact assessment studies.
• The ability to critically evaluate environmental impact assessment processes and their application to environmental decision making.  
• An understanding of the use of scientific evidence in ecological, hazard, cultural and social impact assessment contexts.  
• The development of enhanced skills in identifying information needs, locating appropriate information sources, and using them effectively.
• The ability to work in a team, meeting personal and group responsibilities.

Timetable