Of Smoke and Mirrors: (Mis)Communicating EIA Results of Solar Energy Projects in South Africa

Daniel S. Boshoff
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Daniel S. Boshoff: Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, School of Geo- and Spatial Sciences, North-West University, South Africa2Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management (JEAPM), 2019, vol. 21, issue 03, 1-19

Abstract: Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and renewable energy developments are key instruments to achieving sustainable development goals. Additionally, environmental impact assessment reports (EIARs) are vital in communicating the findings of proposed developments to all stakeholders. Yet, the quality of EIARs does not always comply with criteria in a satisfactory manner, thereby compromising sustainability. The quality of 25 solar energy EIARs in South Africa was reviewed with an adapted Lee–Colley Review Package. Based on this review, 68% of EIARs were found to be satisfactorily conducted, whereas 80% of the overall scores were regarded as borderline quality grades. Interestingly, complex assessment tasks — determining impact significance, alternatives, mitigation measures and the communication of findings — were executed unsatisfactorily. The poor communication of environmental impacts to stakeholders is not only an obstacle for EIA processes but also for sustainable development mechanisms as a whole.

Keywords: Environmental impact; solar energy; environmental impact assessment; sustainable development; public participation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1142/S1464333219500145

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