How can you conduct an intersectional analysis for environmental impact assessments?

Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) are crucial tools for evaluating the potential effects of development projects on the natural and social environment. However, traditional EIAs often overlook the different experiences and needs of diverse groups of people, such as women, ethnic minorities, indigenous communities, and people with disabilities. This can lead to biased, incomplete, or inaccurate assessments that fail to address the root causes of environmental problems and the distribution of benefits and burdens. To avoid this, you can conduct an intersectional analysis for your EIAs, which is a method of examining how multiple dimensions of identity and power interact to shape environmental outcomes and justice. In this article, you will learn how to apply an intersectional lens to your EIAs in six steps.

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1 Step 1: Define your scope

The first step is to define the scope of your EIA, which includes the project objectives, alternatives, location, scale, duration, and stakeholders. You should also identify the relevant environmental and social issues that may be affected by the project, such as biodiversity, water quality, air pollution, health, livelihoods, culture, and human rights. To conduct an intersectional analysis, you need to go beyond the generic categories of impact and consider how they vary across different groups of people based on their gender, race, ethnicity, class, age, disability, sexual orientation, and other factors. For example, you may ask how the project will affect women's access to water, or how it will impact the cultural heritage of indigenous communities.

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Santosh Kumar Gupta

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When defining the scope of an international environmental impact assessment, we determine how a project affects the global environment. Consider a scenario where we plan to construct a big dam across a river spanning multiple countries. In our scope, we create a comprehensive map that outlines the project's environmental impact in each country. We engage with people from those regions, considering their perspectives on the project. Additionally, we ensure compliance with international regulations and agreements related to environmental considerations. Think of it as creating a thorough understanding of how this dam might influence wildlife, water quality, and communities across borders.

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2 Step 2: Collect data

The second step is to collect data on the baseline conditions and the predicted impacts of the project. You can use various sources of data, such as secondary literature, surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations, and participatory methods. To conduct an intersectional analysis, you need to ensure that your data collection is inclusive and representative of the diverse perspectives and experiences of the affected people. You should also use disaggregated data whenever possible, which means breaking down the data by different categories of identity and power. For example, you may collect data on the income levels, land ownership, education, health status, and environmental attitudes of different groups of people in the project area.

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Santosh Kumar Gupta

Educator | Freelancer | Writer | R&D | Biotech | Microbiology | NGS | Metagenomics | CSR | EIA | Liquid & Solid Waste Management | BioToilet & Biofertilizer | Enthusiast in Sustainable Solutions.
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In gathering international environmental data, collaborate with local experts, employ satellite technology for land and air quality assessments, interview locals, consult existing databases, conduct onsite visits to critical areas, collaborate with international agencies, facilitate crossborder data sharing, utilize mapping and technological tools, listen to local stories, and adhere to global data collection standards. For example, when assessing the impact of a dam, engage with residents in each country, leverage satellite imagery, and conduct onsite visits to understand environmental effects comprehensively.

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3 Step 3: Analyze data

The third step is to analyze the data and assess the significance of the impacts. You can use various tools and techniques, such as matrices, indicators, models, scenarios, and risk assessment. To conduct an intersectional analysis, you need to avoid generalizing or simplifying the impacts and instead explore how they are influenced by multiple and intersecting factors. You should also examine the underlying causes and drivers of the impacts, such as structural inequalities, power relations, norms, and values. For example, you may analyze how the project will affect the vulnerability and resilience of different groups of people to climate change, or how it will influence the participation and decision-making of different groups of people in environmental governance.

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Santosh Kumar Gupta

Educator | Freelancer | Writer | R&D | Biotech | Microbiology | NGS | Metagenomics | CSR | EIA | Liquid & Solid Waste Management | BioToilet & Biofertilizer | Enthusiast in Sustainable Solutions.
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Analyzing data from international EIA entails systematically organizing information, employing statistical methods for quantitative analysis, interpreting non-numeric data, and utilizing GIS mapping. Additionally, conducting trend and risk analyses, engaging stakeholders, and integrating findings across disciplines contribute to a comprehensive understanding. The process concludes with a brief report presenting key findings, recommendations, and mitigation strategies, subject to peer review. For example, evaluating a dam project requires water quality measurements, insights from local communities, and predictions of future effects to ensure a thorough assessment.

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4 Step 4: Evaluate alternatives

The fourth step is to evaluate the alternatives and compare their advantages and disadvantages. You can use various criteria and methods, such as cost-benefit analysis, multi-criteria analysis, or ranking. To conduct an intersectional analysis, you need to ensure that your evaluation is fair and transparent and that it reflects the preferences and values of the diverse stakeholders. You should also consider the trade-offs and synergies among the alternatives and their impacts on different groups of people. For example, you may evaluate how the alternatives will affect the employment opportunities, income distribution, food security, and social cohesion of different groups of people in the project area.

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5 Step 5: Mitigate impacts

The fifth step is to mitigate the adverse impacts and enhance the positive impacts of the project. You can use various measures and strategies, such as compensation, resettlement, restoration, conservation, education, or empowerment. To conduct an intersectional analysis, you need to ensure that your mitigation measures are effective and appropriate for the specific needs and contexts of the different groups of people. You should also involve the affected people in the design and implementation of the mitigation measures and monitor their outcomes and feedback. For example, you may design and implement a gender-sensitive compensation scheme, or a culturally appropriate resettlement plan, or a participatory conservation program.

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6 Step 6: Communicate results

The final step is to communicate the results of your EIA and your intersectional analysis to the relevant stakeholders and audiences. You can use various formats and channels, such as reports, presentations, posters, websites, or social media. To conduct an intersectional analysis, you need to ensure that your communication is clear and accessible and that it highlights the main findings and recommendations of your analysis. You should also acknowledge the limitations and uncertainties of your analysis and invite feedback and dialogue from the stakeholders and audiences. For example, you may present and discuss your intersectional analysis with the project proponents, regulators, funders, civil society, media, or academia.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you conduct an intersectional analysis for environmental impact assessments?

1

2

3

4

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1 Step 1: Define your scope

2 Step 2: Collect data

3 Step 3: Analyze data

4 Step 4: Evaluate alternatives

5 Step 5: Mitigate impacts

6 Step 6: Communicate results

7 Here’s what else to consider

Environmental Engineering

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How can you conduct an intersectional analysis for environmental impact assessments?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Step 1: Define your scope

2 Step 2: Collect data

3 Step 3: Analyze data

4 Step 4: Evaluate alternatives

5 Step 5: Mitigate impacts

6 Step 6: Communicate results

7 Here’s what else to consider

Environmental Engineering

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