The knowledge gap in Environmental Impact Assessment practice for wind energy projects

Authors

  • Izabella de Camargo Aversa Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Engenharia Ambiental (PPG-SEA), Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo (USP)
  • Marcelo Montaño Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Engenharia Ambiental (PPG-SEA), Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo (USP)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5380/dma.v52i0.62881

Keywords:

environmental impact assessment, EIA reports, scientific knowledge, wind energy

Abstract

The literature has recognized the importance of scientific evidence to support environmental policies and the decision-making process. However, the practice shows limitations in this interface and a reasonable distance from theory. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) stands out as an instrument for planning and impact prevention, which should be based on evidence developed through the application of the best scientific techniques to provide sufficient information and in a timely manner for the decision. The mechanisms of approximation between scientific knowledge regarding the potential impacts caused by a specific project typology and the information addressed in the practice of EIA are relatively unknown aspects. These mechanisms should be investigated in order to stablish adequate strategies for this approach. The present work aimed to identify the distance between scientific knowledge about the impacts potentially caused by wind energy projects and what is effectively presented to the decision-making process in EIA reports. The study object of this research was the EIA practice in the sector of wind energy generation in Brazil. The potential impacts of wind power generation described in the international literature were consolidated in a checklist, which was applied to the content of 31 EIA reports elaborated for projects in the state of Ceará (2010-2017), Brazil. Based on the checklist application it was possible to identify that, in general, there is a significant distance between the practice of EIA and current scientific knowledge. These results suggest that decisions about the acceptability of potential impacts are not being made based on the best available information and therefore possibly do not ensure the evaluation of significant impacts. On the other hand, the identification of specific positive cases highlights a favorable perspective for the environmental agencies to act in order to promote the approximation between the state-of-the-art of knowledge and the decision-making process supported by the EIA.

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Published

2019-12-30

How to Cite

Aversa, I. de C., & Montaño, M. (2019). The knowledge gap in Environmental Impact Assessment practice for wind energy projects. Desenvolvimento E Meio Ambiente, 52. https://doi.org/10.5380/dma.v52i0.62881

Issue

Vol. 52 (2019)

Section

Articles

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