Session Description
The emergence of IA grew out of scientific and public concerns in the 1960s over industrial pollution and habitat destruction. Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, and Garrett Hardin’s essay The Tragedy of the Commons influenced the creation of IAIA in the 1980s. Since then, IA has expanded from an environmental focus on land, air, water, flora, and fauna to include social, economic, health, strategic, cumulative, sustainability, and climate assessments.
These IAs are often conducted in siloes, even when nearby projects affect the same (often marginalized and racialized) communities and environmental values, resulting in poor outcomes. As governments streamline approvals for oil, gas, coal, critical mineral, and metal extraction in the name of national security and economic competitiveness, maintaining robust will be essential, particularly for Indigenous Peoples’ right to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent. These trends are intensifying pressures on changing environments and accelerate losses of biocultural diversity.
We must move toward integrated IAs. Planetary health, a “transdisciplinary field focused on analyzing and addressing the impacts of human disruptions to Earth’s natural systems on human health and all life on Earth,” aligns closely with IA, which assesses and mitigates project impacts on natural systems and the health and well-being of all species. Addressing these interconnected challenges also requires confronting colonial structures and power imbalances that shape environmental governance and health inequities. A decolonial planetary health framework offers a path forward by embracing UNDRIP and and Indigenous IA best practices.
Session Summary
Moving from silos to systems, IA must evolve to address increasingly complex environmental, social, and health challenges. Applying a decolonial planetary health lens broadens IA beyond project-level impacts to interconnected systems. This session explores where the field is headed and the transformative approaches needed.
Additional Information
This session particularly welcomes academic case studies and Indigenous-led IAs to showcase their transdisciplinary work. More integrated approaches can help identify risks earlier, improve project design, support regulatory efficiency, and build confidence among communities, proponents, and decision-makers.
Session Chair
Heather Castleden
University of Victoria
Canada