Linking EIA to the Principles of Sustainable Development

Abstract

In this chapter, the ethical framework to guide environmental impact assessment is presented. The two basic ethical principles of sustainable development, based on the book Our Common Future, are described in some detail. The principles are intergenerational equity—giving equal treatment to following generations, particularly through maintaining the Earth’s biodiversity and productive capabilities; and intra-generational equity—treating people in each and every generation fairly, which implies ensuring the poor are not disadvantaged by a project and, in fact, are provided with disproportionate benefits. How these ethical imperatives are to be achieved is explored.