Thomas B. Fischer

University of Liverpool | UoL · Department of Geography and Planning

Vorliegender Beitrag fasst die Ergebnisse einer internationalen Online-Umfrage zur Vereinfachung von Umweltverträglichkeitsprüfungen (UVPen), Strategischen Umweltprüfungen (SUPen) und anderen Folgenprüfungen zusammen, an der 45 Teilnehmende sich zu Entwicklungen in 26 Folgenprüfungssystemen äußerten. Verschiedene Vereinfachungsinitiativen wurden er...

This contribution is part of a compilation of letters on 'Environmental Assessment (EA)/Impact Assessment (IA) simplification' in the journal 'Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal'. In it, the author discusses current efforts of the UK government to simplify and potentially replace EA. First, an overview of the development of EA over time is pro...

Alpine program SEA and a German marine spatial plan SEA. Information was obtained through interviews and questionnaires conducted with academics as well as private and public SEA actors. Participant observations were used to support the interpretation of results. In the three cases, academics fullfilled different roles, including being providers of...

Indicators of ecological condition status of water bodies associated with field measurements are often subject to data gaps. This obstacle can often lead to abandonment of assessment. Furthermore, it can lead to the use of methods, based merely on their availability. In response to these challenges, a systematic approach for expert-analyst interact...

The UK has been one of the countries at the vanguard of developments of Environmental Assessment (EA) theory and practice. It is likely that this globally prominent position has been developed through ongoing collaboration between academia and practice which pervades teaching, research, and practice itself. However, the scale and nature of the coll...

Local planning authorities and developers aim at designing and regenerating neighbourhoods in which people want to live. However, this aim is difficult to achieve if participation is conducted poorly. As a result, people may live in places that are created according to the ideas of designers and the priorities of market conditions and not according...

Editorial Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal 2022-4

Health is routinely considered in strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and environmental impact assessment (EIA), following requirements of European Union directives and the Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment to the Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (Espoo Convention). Policy-makers and other s...

In this paper we aim at determining the link between EIA report substance and administratively just EIA decisions. In so doing, previous research based on 42 case studies from South Africa, which analysed whether they comprised administratively just decisions (i.e. that were lawful, procedurally fair and reasonable) were reviewed for the substance...

this chapter, we discuss the legal requirements as well as entry points for the consideration of climate change mitigation and adaptation through EA. In this context, the interaction between EIA and SEA in meeting challenges is discussed. How to maximize potential benefits from EA application is also elaborated on.

In this response to Dusík and Bond, I reflect on what taxonomies of sustainable investment will need to be able to deliver in order to add value to our existing efforts towards making development more environmentally sustainable. What support taxonomies should provide for strategic environmental assessment (SEA) of policies, plans and programmes an...

Impact assessment (IA) processes can potentially play important roles in driving green infrastructure (GI) planning and design, as well as establishing how GI can contribute to environmental planning objectives. In this paper, we explore how IA (strategic environmental assessment-SEA and environmental impact assessment-EIA) can support the developm...

The results of ecological condition assessments of ecosystems are related to key decisions taken for the purpose of remedial measures or maintaining their current state. In the assessment process, experts come across extensive datasets, the quality, and completeness of which do not always allow for a reliable evaluation, especially if a single empi...

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is implemented in most countries as an administrative procedure. In this context, it is subject to the principles of administrative justice. However, to date, no empirical research has been conducted to determine the extent to which EIA decisions comply with the principles of administrative justice. In this pap...

Decomissioning of offshore wind structures.

Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is a decision support approach which is applied in various shapes and forms throughout the world. In England, amongst a range of areas of application, HIA is applied in local (spatial) plan making and project development planning. Whilst various authors have reflected on HIA practice in England, the extent of applicat...

Automated and reproducible methodology for assessing the ecological condition of lakes is essential for effective monitoring and facilitating the decision-making process aimed at achieving the stated environmental goals. At the same time, multidimensional measurement datasets are often an obstacle to drawing insightful conclusions, thus becoming an...

This review report outlines current practices of impact assessment (IA) processes on the redevelopment of (formerly) contaminated sites in residential contexts. The focus is on processes leading to public consent decisions that aim at identifying, assessing and mitigating negative environmental and health (and possibly equity) effects and at enhanc...

The goal of this think piece is to identify ways in which one might tighten the links between environmental goals, targets and objectives and the policy-making and land allocation processes of the planning system. It draws upon a desk review of the existing research literature, developing environmental and planning policy in Scotland, and interview...

Territorial Impact Assessment (TIA) is a policy Strategic Environmental Assessment type tool used in the European Union (EU), for European and EU Member States levels as well as across Member States in, for example, trans-border regions. It is closely connected with the EU concept of Territorial Cohesion, which is based on the idea that no EU citiz...

This chapter explores the use of objectives as part of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). As suggested by the title, it does this by considering objectives in several ways. To illustrate the points made in our discussion we draw on UK practice examples, own research and also from international SEA literature. Looking at how objectives are se...

In this chapter key issues connected with substantive effectiveness of SEA are discussed. In this context, what ‘substantive’ may mean and whether and how substantive outcomes are achieved through SEA is explored. Evidence for SEA being able to arrive at more environmentally sustainable decisions is presented. Furthermore, under what context condit...

The introduction of SEA in developing countries has advanced considerably over the last decade. Most countries have some form of regulatory backing, and associated experience with piloting SEA studies. For countries just beginning to develop SEA systems, decision-makers frequently want to see concrete and up-to-date SEA manuals or guidelines in ord...

In this chapter, the authors’ aim is to provide an overview of current practices of SEA in transport planning. Whilst the main focus will be on experiences from Sweden and Estonia, practices in other countries are also reflected on. Important features of transport planning consist of; (a) a cyclical policy process as, and (b) a process for the deve...

In this chapter, the authors elaborate on integration in and through SEA, focusing on health as one particular integration aspect. After discussing some key aspects of SEA integration, how the consideration of health in SEA is interpreted internationally is explored. As an example for the role played by SEA for ensuring an adequate coverage of heal...

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is widely recognized as an important policy, plan and, programme decision support tool for environmental protection and sustainable development. Various authors have called for the need for studies to demonstrate how the practice of SEA is developing, what difficulties are being experienced, and how it is co...

Climate Change (CC) adaptation and mitigation policy coherence (PC) across sectors is essential to effectively address CC challenges and support synergies. Pakistan is highly vulnerable to CC. In this paper, the extent to which Pakistan's national and provincial water, agriculture, and energy sector policies, development plans and strategies are al...

Climate Change (CC) adaptation and mitigation policy coherence (PC) across sectors is essential to effectively address CC challenges and support synergies. Pakistan is highly vulnerable to CC. In this paper, the extent to which Pakistan’s national and provincial water, agriculture, and energy sector policies, development plans and strategies are al...

In this chapter, the authors reflect on the possibility of devising an SEA theory. In this context, first key emerging building blocks of SEA are outlined. An important message emerging is that not all building blocks are manifested in current SEA requirements and practices. This means that there are currently barriers for an effective application...

This comprehensive Handbook shows how Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), an important decision support tool for strategies, policies, plans and programmes, is applied globally. It reflects on SEA practices and the advancements made over the past three decades in the development of SEA.

In this introduction to the International Handbook of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) a brief description of the origins of SEA is provided. Furthermore, growth in practice, research and publication activities and an associated evolving understanding of SEA over time is described. In this context, the maturing of conceptual thinking along...

https://local.gov.uk/pas/plan-making/strategic-plans/strategic-planning-research-paper-links-between-health-issues-and

Covid-19 is a global health emergency and a systemic human development crisis. Marginalized populations' ability to respond tends to be low and associated impacts can be serious for already vulnerable communities. The virus impacts vulnerable populations unequally. Pandemic containment measures can render vulnerable populations to multiple interact...

Purpose Hydropower is currently the primary renewable energy source for Myanmar. However, hydropower projects can cause direct and indirect detrimental impacts on the livelihoods of populations. Social impacts of planned hydropower projects should therefore be assessed. In this paper, we report on the application of a Social Life Cycle Assessment (...

Tjis research report considers ways to embed the environment more effectively under the new Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 when preparing future local developmenmt plans by Scottish planning authorities.

In this think piece we offer our reflections on what steps might be taken to help embed environmental issues into the planning process, so that they are given due weight, careful attention and suitably influence plan formulation. We focus specifically on the role of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in relation to the making of local develop...

This chapter presents the results of the European ESPON EATIA research project in which a Territorial Impact Assessment (TIA) methodology was developed for administrations in EU member states in order to inform their national positions in European draft directives’ negotiation processes. Rather than applying another EU-wide top-down quantitative mo...

Development induced displacement and resettlement (DIDR) projects should share their benefits with those affected by them. This paper shows that in the case of the Yangtze-Huai River Diversion Project in China perceptions of compensation received differs amongst different groups of resettled people even if levels of compensation are similar. Based...

Thomas B Fischer looks at lessons that can be drawn from the experience of investing in infrastructure and regeneration in order to support socio-economic stabilisation of the depressed economy on Eastern Germany after German unification in 1990

In this paper, a comparative review is provided of the quality of EIA systems in 65 countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Furthermore, whether the quality of EIA systems is correlated with national GDP per capita in each country is explored. The review is carried out by means of an integrated EIA index (EIA Quality index-EQ...

PurposeRivers control biophysical processes that underpin essential ecosystem services. Myanmar’s rivers provide great opportunities for increasing energy supply at low costs from hydropower plants and make important contributions to the national economy. However, associated environmental impacts, as well as input and output flows of hydropower dev...

Debates around the impacts of the UK’s exit from the European Union (‘Brexit’) have exposed the limited critical attention given to how planning systems intersect with environmental protection. This is an important omission, especially given deregulatory pressures on both planning and environment in many countries. In response, this paper uses docu...

Energy infrastructures can have negative impacts on the environment. In remote and / or sparsely populated as well as in conflict-prone regions, these can be difficult to assess, in particular when they are of a large scale. Analyzing land use and land cover changes can be an important initial step towards establishing the quantity and quality of i...

Editorial for Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal Issue 2020-3

an introduction to a special issue of IAPA

The extensive use of natural resources threatens to exceed the carrying capacity of the Earth. The concept of a circular economy (CE) offers an avenue to sustainable growth, good health and decent jobs, while reducing human pressure on the environment and natural resources. Further, the change from a linear economy (take, make, dispose) to a circul...

Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) is a group of analytical approaches allowing to compare criteria or alternatives when making complex decisions. It can be applied in Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for supporting the integration of environmental, social and economic aspects into the development of strategies, policies, plan and programme maki...

The aim of this letter is to provide an administrative justice perspective on EIA effectiveness. EIA is described as essentially an administrative instrument, reflecting a number of principles that revolve around an assessment process which should reflect administrative justice. This includes lawfulness, procedural fairness and reasonableness. Cons...

Starting point for the research underlying this paper was the question why there were low rates of planning approval for Community Energy (CE) onshore windfarms in England, despite an overall supportive policy position. In order to get an indication for possible reasons, results of an in-depth review of one community driven project are provided; th...

The IAIA19 conference theme description notes that the introduction of Impact Assessment (IA) was a revolutionary means in environmental decision making, which later evolved to be applied in wider contexts and settings. It also raises the question about whether evolution or revolutionary changes are needed for IA right now. However, an important qu...

Contribution to 2070 Commission's Report 'Fairer and Stronger' (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DaPlONpLXwxS1lE2kLu3aQVkOQEmFLwB/view) on Investment into the former GDR since 1990.

This Think Piece has been submitted to the UK2070 Commission in response to its Call for Evidence.

In this paper we introduce a method for potential use in strategic environmental assessment (SEA) which integrates knowledge and tools of Collective Intelligence, Complexity Theory and Geoprospective, via the implementation of a technological Group-Spatial Decision Support System (GSDSS), usable for scenario building for infrastructure project plan...

This article synthesises the challenges faced by the English (urban) spatial planning system to become an enabler of urban health and explores some keys features of the evidence base, policy tools and policy implementation issues that urban planners need to be aware of to become health enablers. It draws on good practice identified in an Economic a...

Sensitivity to an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system's context is a precondition for being able to suggest recommendation to improving that system. Most recommendations for developing countries take inspiration from developed countries and fall short in their efforts to adapt to the needs of a specific country. In this paper, the authors...

SEA practice in Germany has been growing since its introduction and so has the number of SEA research projects and publications. This paper provides a meta-review of German SEA effectiveness research published between 2004 and 2018. In this context, we discuss: (1) What is the status quo of SEA application in Germany? (2) What dimensions of SEA eff...

In this paper, the ‘guidelines for strategic environmental assessment (SEA) of nuclear power programmes’ by the International Atomic Energy Agency are introduced. This includes a reflection on their preparation process and contents as well as consultation feedback. The preparation process started with two meetings of international nuclear and SEA e...

RTPI study opens debate in post-Brexit environmental planning 23 January 2019 The UK has made “substantive gains” from EU environmental directives but a lack of resources in their implementation and complexity of environmental assessments are growing concerns, according to a study commissioned by the RTPI. The study looks at how planning and envir...

Written guidance can contribute to the development of effective SEA, delivering relevant information for those involved in policy, plan and programme making processes. Generally speaking, guidance should aim at setting best practice standards. However, to date, how guidance is impacting on SEA effectiveness and how it is best developed and maintain...

Guidelines on strategic environmental assessment

EIA in Iran was formally introduced in 1994, but to date little EIA-related research has been undertaken in the country. In this paper, the authors provide an evaluation of the Iranian EIA system, focusing on EIA legislation, administration and process. Data was collected on the basis of a literature review, document analysis and semistructured int...

In this paper, we reflect on the effectiveness of environmental assessment (EA for e.g. projects, policies, plans and programmes) in Iranian water management. Urmia Lake Basin (ULB) is used as a case study area and the extent to which EA appears to be delivering environmental protection objectives is established. Data were collected using document...

In an interdisciplinary research project lasting several years, an actor-centred approach was chosen to identify central determinants of the consideration of climate change adaptation in environmental impact assessment (EIA). The analysis of current EIA practice in Austria and Germany showed that there are starting points in place which could easil...

This working paper explores potential environmental impacts of a planned deployment of highly automated digitised systems constituted through combination of 3D printing, advanced industrial robotics, autonomous transport, Internet of Things, and Artificial Intelligence over the next decade. It offers an initial framework for identification of eme...

There is currently a lack of clarity for what the anticipated British Exit from the European Union will mean for environmental assessment (EA) in the United Kingdom (UK) in the medium to long term. It is within this context that a workshop was organised by the Environmental Assessment and Management Centre (University of Liverpool) and held in Live...

In this paper, the inclusion of CC in existing EIA practice is explored and possible CC entry points are established. The focus is on Austria and Germany, two EU member states in which suggestions for the consideration of CC adaptation into regional and urban/ local planning have been made on various occasions. However, to date the discussion of po...

The preparation of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) inclusive sustainability appraisals (SAs) for neighbourhood plans (NPs) in England may be required when significant environmental effects are expected to arise from an NP. In this paper, we report on the result of a Ph.D. project, conducted between 2012 and 2015, in which all 15 NP SEA inc...

Aim of the expert consultation was to discuss the need of and options for the development of an online knowledge exchange platform on environment and health in impact assessments. Importantly, the target group of such an online platform would be the health impact assessment (HIA) as well as the environmental assessment communities of environmental...

This paper explores the concept of pluralism by evaluating different stakeholder views on the expected and realised value of strategic environmental assessment (SEA). The research followed a single embedded case study approach (of a national-level SEA for renewable energy planning in South Africa) and engaged with four different stakeholder groups,...

This paper explores how health aspects connected with the planning of urban green space are currently supported through two types of impact assessments: health impact assessment (HIA) and environmental assessment, including strategic environmental assessment (SEA) of policies, plans and programmes and environmental impact assessment (EIA) of projec...

The need to consider environmental and social issues on a par with economic concerns in policy, plan, programme and project making in order to achieve sustainable development has been widely recognized. However, to date there has been no adequate implementation, and economic issues are frequently prevailing over other aspects. In many developing an...