What is the primary purpose of environmental impact assessments (EIA)?

The primary purpose of environmental impact assessments (EIA) is to evaluate the environmental effects of proposed projects. This process involves a detailed analysis of potential impacts on the environment, including air and water quality, biodiversity, and ecosystems. By assessing these potential effects before a project is implemented, the EIA helps decision-makers understand the environmental implications and assists in making informed choices. This assessment serves as a critical tool for promoting sustainable development, ensuring that negative impacts are minimized, and that any necessary mitigation measures can be planned and executed effectively.

In contrast, measuring atmospheric carbon levels is a specific scientific activity that may be part of broader environmental monitoring, but it does not encompass the holistic evaluation the EIA provides. Promoting energy-efficient designs is an important aspect of sustainable practices but is not the primary aim of EIAs. Similarly, while enforcing environmental regulations is a key function of environmental agencies, it falls outside the scope of what an EIA is designed to achieve, which focuses more on assessment rather than regulation enforcement.