What is Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?

The ongoing debate between development and environmental conservation centers on the challenge of balancing economic growth with the need to protect natural ecosystems. This is particularly significant in developing countries like India, where efforts to improve living standards must be reconciled with the risks of environmental degradation and climate change.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has emerged as a tool to help countries navigate this delicate balance, ensuring that economic growth is achieved without compromising environmental sustainability. EIA is a structured approach used to assess the potential environmental, social, and economic impacts of a proposed project before it receives approval. Its main goals are to anticipate and evaluate both positive and negative consequences of development, helping decision-makers take informed actions by offering a comprehensive analysis of the project. Additionally, it supports sustainable growth by identifying potential harmful effects early in the planning phase and suggesting alternatives or mitigation strategies.

Public participation is also a key component of EIA, as it allows citizens to voice their concerns through public consultations regarding a project.

Evolution of EIA in India

EIA originated in the U.S. in 1969, but in India, it was first introduced in 1976 when the Planning Commission directed the Department of Science & Technology to evaluate the environmental impacts of river valley projects. Initially, India's EIA process focused on large infrastructure projects like dams and power plants. Over time, it expanded to include a broader range of projects such as industrial operations, mining, and urban development. In 1986, EIA became legally mandatory under the Environment (Protection) Act, requiring large projects to obtain Environmental Clearance (EC).

The Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006 provided detailed guidelines for EIA implementation in India and serves as the key legal document for granting environmental approval for projects.

EIA Process in India

The EIA Notification of 2006 classifies projects based on their environmental impact into two categories: Category ‘A’ and Category ‘B’. Category 'A' projects require national-level appraisal and mandatory environmental clearance without undergoing the screening process. These projects are reviewed by the Impact Assessment Agency (IAA) and the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC).

Category ‘B’ projects are subjected to a screening process and are further divided into B1 and B2 categories. Category B1 projects are appraised at the state level by the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and the State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC). In contrast, Category B2 projects are exempt from the Environmental Clearance (EC) requirement

1.With reference to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in India, consider the following statements:

1. EIA was made statutory in India under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2. The EIA Notification of 2006 classifies projects into Category ‘A’ and Category ‘B’ based on their potential environmental impacts.
3. Category ‘B’ projects are appraised exclusively at the national level by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC).

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3

• The motion seeks to test whether the government enjoys the confidence of the majority in the legislature. If the motion is passed, the government is required to resign.

For Preliminary Examination: Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Target net-zero emissions by 2070, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

For Mains Examination: General Studies Paper III (Environment and Sustainable Development)

Context:

The Paris Agreement was supposed to save the world from the worst impacts of climate change. But nine years after it was finalised — on December 12, 2015 — it is perhaps more fragile than ever, appearing increasingly ineffective and helpless in containing the rapidly worsening climate situation.

Read about:

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

Paris Agreement

Key takeaways:

• The Paris Agreement was envisioned as a global effort to mitigate the worst effects of climate change. However, nine years since its adoption on December 12, 2015, it appears increasingly fragile and ineffective in addressing the rapidly worsening climate crisis.
• During this period, annual global emissions have risen by 8%, from approximately 49 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent to 53 billion tonnes. Meanwhile, average global temperatures have increased from 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels to 1.45°C. Projections now indicate that 2024 is likely to be the first year to exceed the 1.5°C threshold.
• The Paris Agreement’s primary goal—to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, or 2°C at the most—seems increasingly unattainable.
• This has led to growing frustration among developing nations, particularly small island states, which are now exploring alternative approaches to combat climate change more effectively. The International Court of Justice is currently deliberating on a case to define nations’ obligations and potential repercussions concerning climate responsibilities.
• Before the Paris Agreement, the Kyoto Protocol of 1997 had established the principle of equity and differentiated responsibilities, requiring developed countries to take the lead in reducing emissions while allowing developing nations to contribute as per their capabilities.
• However, with the growing economic influence of China and the perceived economic constraints of climate obligations, developed countries sought to undermine the Kyoto Protocol.
• Although their initial attempt at the 2009 Copenhagen conference failed, they succeeded in dismantling it during the Paris negotiations in 2015.
• The Paris Agreement, while aiming to make all nations accountable, diluted the fight against climate change by adopting a system of "nationally determined contributions" (NDCs).
• This approach effectively removed specific emission reduction obligations for developed nations, reducing global climate action to the bare minimum needed to fulfill Paris commitments. As a result, current efforts are misaligned with the emission reductions necessary to limit global warming.
• Even the limited provisions of the Paris Agreement have been progressively weakened over time to serve the interests of developed countries. A prime example is the financial agreement reached in Baku.
• Under the UNFCCC, developed nations are obligated to provide financial and technological assistance to developing countries for climate action.
• Despite their 2020 pledge to raise $100 billion annually, assessments indicate that trillions are required to address the challenges effectively.
• Instead of scaling up ambition, developed countries agreed in Baku to raise the $100 billion target to just $300 billion annually by 2035.
• This meager increase severely undermines the ability of developing nations to pursue meaningful climate action, further stalling progress in the fight against global warming

Follow Up Question

1.Which of the following is a goal of the Paris Agreement?

(a) Limit global temperature rise to 3°C above pre-industrial levels.
(b) Ensure carbon neutrality for all nations by 2050.
(c) Limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C, with efforts to keep it at 1.5°C.
(d) Mandate all countries to phase out fossil fuels by 2040.