Why we should care about assessing cumulative impacts on major projects
When planning major projects – like mines, gas fields, solar and wind farms – it's common to evaluate each project's individual environmental and social effects.
Cumulative impacts look at the combined effect of multiple projects over time and space. Ignoring these broader impacts can lead to significant, long-term harm to communities, ecosystems, and economies.
Cumulative impacts occur when the incremental effects of a project add to or interact with existing or foreseeable future developments. For example, the development of one project may seem manageable, but the combined effect of constructing several projects in a region could compound a single project’s impacts like habitat loss or water extraction. These effects can also compound social challenges such as strained community and social services, housing affordability and shortages, as well as cultural disruption and community cohesion.
Assessing cumulative impacts offers a more realistic picture of what’s at stake. It helps decision-makers anticipate unintended consequences, identify thresholds of resilience in ecosystems, and plan mitigation strategies more effectively. It also promotes transparency, allowing stakeholders including councils, residents, First Nations groups, and service providers to engage in informed discussions and advocate for sustainable solutions.
By identifying interactions between various developments, cumulative impact assessment helps avoid fragmented decision-making and unforeseen negative consequences.
It also supports resource allocation and highlights broader regional trends and long-term impacts so government community services can plan effectively.
This holistic approach enables more effective and efficient management, ensuring sustainable development that aligns with environmental limits and community values.
Incorporating cumulative impact assessments into project approvals and environmental reviews isn’t just good practice; it’s essential for long-term sustainability.
To find out more about cumulative impact assessment and how we can help, get in touch with us.
