Question

What is the role of Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) in EIA?

• A. CIA assesses the environmental impacts of individual projects
• B. CIA is not a part of the EIA process
• C. CIA assesses the combined impacts of multiple projects on the environment
• D. CIA is conducted after project completion

Hint:

• Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) looks at the "big picture."
• It evaluates the total environmental impact resulting from the proposed project in combination with other existing and future projects/activities in the area.
• This helps to identify and manage situations where multiple individually minor impacts could collectively lead to significant environmental degradation.
• CIA is an integral part of a thorough EIA.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) plays a critical role in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) by evaluating the collective effects of several projects on the environment. While traditional EIA focuses on assessing the impact of a single project, CIA expands the scope to consider how multiple projects, possibly over time and space, interact with each other and with existing environmental conditions.

This comprehensive approach is crucial for several reasons:

• Holistic Understanding: CIA provides a holistic view of the cumulative effects on environmental resources, ensuring that indirect and delayed impacts are also considered.
• Environmental Management: By understanding the combined impacts, more effective strategies can be developed for sustainable development and resource management.
• Informed Decision-Making: Policymakers and stakeholders receive a more complete picture, enabling better planning and mitigation strategies.

Thus, the correct answer is: CIA assesses the combined impacts of multiple projects on the environment.