Solution-oriented global environmental assessments: Opportunities and challenges

This article provides an introduction to the Special Issue dedicated to “Solution-oriented Global Environmental Assessments: Opportunities and Challenges”. In the follow-up to the Paris climate agreement and the adoption and early implementation of the global Sustainable Development Goals involving many synergies and trade-offs, the need to shift the focus from environmental problem analysis towards the exploration of specific solution options can be observed in international environmental governance debates. To remain policy-relevant, credible and legitimate, global environmental assessments (GEAs) must carefully adapt to a rapidly evolving governance landscape. This Special Issue sheds light on the potential utility and implications of increased solution-orientation of GEAs. It builds on the research project “The Future of Global Environmental Assessment Making” that was jointly initiated in 2013 by UN Environment and the Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change. The article collection includes research on the coevolution of GEAs and the increasingly solution-oriented governance context; conditions of success for contemporary GEAs; the treatment of divergent viewpoints, stakes and stakeholders in solution-oriented GEAs; knowledge aggregation; and the enhanced measurement of GEA effectiveness in the emerging governance landscape.     

Uncertainty communication in environmental assessments: views from the Dutch science-policy interface

Scientific assessments of environmental problems, and policy responses to those problems, involve uncertainties of many sorts. Meanwhile, potential impacts of wrong decisions can be far-reaching. This article explores views on uncertainty and uncertainty communication in the Dutch science-policy interface and studies several issues concerning presentation of uncertainty information. Respondents considered uncertainty communication to be important, but it should be concise and policy relevant. Several factors influence policy relevance, including the place of an issue in the policy cycle, and its novelty, topicality and controversiality. Respondents held particular interest in explicit communication on the implications of uncertainty. Related to this, they appreciated information on different sources and types of uncertainty and qualitative aspects of uncertainty (e.g. pedigree charts). The article also studies probability terms, particularly for IPCC's 33–66% probability interval (‘about as likely as not’). Several terms worked reasonably well, with a median interpretation of 40–60%. Finally, as various target groups have different information needs and different amounts of attention for various parts of a report or communication process, it is important to progressively disclose uncertainty information throughout the communication. Improved communication of uncertainty information leads to a deeper understanding and increased awareness of the phenomenon of uncertainty and its policy implications.     

40 years of global environmental assessments: A retrospective analysis

This paper provides a retrospective analysis of global environmental assessment (GEA) processes and their changing character, focus and political context over the past 40 years. We examine how and why elements of organizational design, objectives, and the evolving political landscape have interacted and changed, with a view of informing the design and conduct of future processes. We find that the historical genesis of GEAs is closely connected to the emergence of environmental multilateralism. However, the prevailing conditions and assumptions which originally gave rise to the GEA concept have changed significantly over time, giving rise to an increasing demand for a focus on response options and policies. We also find that the epistemic and process complexity of GEAs has increased substantially, without a corresponding expansion in the magnitude and composition of GEA management teams. We suggest that developing analytical capacities for policy assessment as well as ensuring sufficient resources and tools to manage increasingly complex GEAs is essential to ensure their future relevance and success. This article is part of a special issue on solution-oriented GEAs.     

The role of science-policy interface in sustainable urban water transitions: Lessons from Rotterdam

This paper investigates the role of the science-policy interface in leveraging transitions to sustainable urban water management. The paper presents a case study of the Dutch city of Rotterdam, which is increasingly regarded as a global leader in adaptive and resilient urban water management. The analysis reveals that Rotterdam’s transition has occurred incrementally over the past 15 years, driven by policy entrepreneurs: largely municipal policy makers and policy practitioners. Strategic use of the science-policy interface (SPI) has facilitated the development of innovative solutions to achieve policy goals and created the enabling conditions necessary for transformative change. The Rotterdam case suggests that an effective SPI requires: (1) compelling water narrative; (2) cross-sectoral collaboration; (3) co-production of knowledge; (4) experiential evidence-based learning; (5) strategic use of trusted scientists; (6) fostering networks; and (7) generating business from science-based innovation. Rotterdam’s strategic approach to knowledge and innovation coupled with a new narrative around water sets it apart from many other cities and adds a new dimension to debates regarding enabling factors for advancing sustainable practices. These findings will be of interest to those engaged in urban water management policy and practice, environmental governance, and debates over transitions more broadly.     

The epistemic authority of solution-oriented global environmental assessments

The effectiveness and influence of solutions oriented global environmental assessments (SOAs) rests on their legitimacy. Based on the GEA literature this piece reviews the legitimacy of GEAs and discusses its implications, and challenges and for the legitimacy of SOAs. This article is part of a special issue on solution-oriented GEAs.     

工业区群的环境影响后评估探索

对于经过环境影响评价建成的工业区群,通过现场收集资料、组织专家评估和公众参与等方法,按一定的技术路线和步骤,对其规划布局和产业结构、环境要素影响评价及控制对策措施进行回顾、验证与分析,并作责任分析。其结论可成为环保部门对相关方环保执法的法定依据。     

Navigating the authority paradox: Practising objectivity in environmental expertise

We empirically reveal how environmental experts interpret the objectivity norm while navigating the authority paradox. The paradox here is that while there is a need for objective scientific advice, such advice is only to be acquired from experts and expert agencies whose objectivity and, hence, authority are contested. Viewed through the lens of practice, we identify what practitioners at the PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency understand by objectivity. Using this paradigmatic case, we show how practitioners renegotiate the meaning of objectivity while seeking to engage with new policy actors and extended peers in an independent, rigorous and legitimate manner. Successfully navigating the authority paradox is related to skilfully representing and adapting to various meanings of objectivity. Experts and experts agencies accordingly need reflexive skills to recognise which meanings of objectivity they ascribe to and which ones are invoked in public debates. Environmental experts who are able to loosely connect diverse objectivity conceptions are more likely considered as trustworthy and authoritative partners in environmental science-policy interfaces.     

Lessons from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change on inclusiveness across geographies and stakeholders

There have been many calls in policy and academia for more inclusiveness in science-policy interfaces, but there is as yet insufficient clarity as to what such inclusiveness means and how to achieve it in the context of international organisations. This paper analyses how inclusive the IPCC is across geographies and stakeholders. Building on the distinction between access and active participation, it examines the involvement of developing countries and NGOs in the Panel’s assessment process.The analysis shows that more inclusive institutional set-ups in international science-policy organisations do not automatically lead to greater credibility, salience and legitimacy of knowledge production processes (Mitchell et al., 2006). For instance, inclusive access does not per se guarantee active participation as the latter depends on a variety of factors including resources and the capacity of actors to engage. Furthermore, in institutional contexts the idea of inclusiveness is necessarily subject to operational interpretations. How these interpretations relate to the representativeness of those who participate in the process affects the relevance of knowledge to its users’ needs. Finally, there are political elements to inclusiveness as more powerful actors may be unwilling to renegotiate the balance of power to expand access to stakeholders.The paper concludes that these nuances should be taken into account in the IPCC and other international science-policy institutions. It also urges the Panel to address the developing country participation gap and explore institutional avenues for expanding access to non-state stakeholders in order to increase the credibility, salience and legitimacy of its processes and shift to solutions-oriented assessments.     

Designing a new science-policy communication mechanism for the UN Convention to Combat Desertification

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has lacked an efficient mechanism to access scientific knowledge since entering into force in 1996. In 2011 it decided to convene an Ad Hoc Working Group on Scientific Advice (AGSA) and gave it a unique challenge: to design a new mechanism for science-policy communication based on the best available scientific evidence. This paper outlines the innovative ‘modular mechanism’ which the AGSA proposed to the UNCCD in September 2013, and how it was designed. Framed by the boundary organization model, and an understanding of the emergence of a new multi-scalar and polycentric style of governing, the modular mechanism consists of three modules: a Science-Policy Interface (SPI); an international self-governing and self-organizing Independent Non-Governmental Group of Scientists; and Regional Science and Technology Hubs in each UNCCD region. Now that the UNCCD has established the SPI, it is up to the worldwide scientific community to take the lead in establishing the other two modules. Science-policy communication in other UN environmental conventions could benefit from three generic principles corresponding to the innovations in the three modules—joint management of science-policy interfaces by policy makers and scientists; the production of synthetic assessments of scientific knowledge by autonomous and accountable groups of scientists; and multi-scalar and multi-directional synthesis and reporting of knowledge.     

大气环境影响评价的不确定性分析

就我国大气环境影响评价目前存在的问题进行了阐述，提出了应当正确引导和规范大气环境影响评价，发展“标准化”的计算方法和评价方法，使影响预测结果具有代表性的可比性。     

Understanding socio-cultural dimensions of environmental decision-making: A knowledge governance approach

Sociological critiques of scientific research processes and their application have developed nuanced understandings of the social, cultural and political forces shaping relationships between science and decision-making. Simultaneously, environmental researchers have sought to construct more engaged, dynamic modes of conducting research to facilitate the application of science in decision-making and action. To date, however, there are relatively few theoretically-oriented approaches that have been able to draw productive connections between the sociological critique and the practical applications that can aid in navigating this complex and diverse milieu. In this article, we propose that the concept of “knowledge governance” can bring together targeted inquiry into the socio-political context in which environmental science is situated, alongside analysis of specific interventions that change knowledge-to-action relationships. Drawing together Jasanoff’s (2005) concept of civic epistemology with Cash et al.’s (2003) knowledge systems for sustainability approach, this knowledge governance inquiry framework offers an integrative lens through which to critically reflect on knowledge-based processes, and incorporate that deeper understanding into intervention efforts. We briefly illustrate its application with reference to a pilot project examining conservation decision-making in the Western Pacific island nation of Palau.     

关于完善规划环境影响跟踪评价制度的思考

规划环境影响跟踪评价制度是规划环评制度的重要组成部分,完善跟踪评价制度对健全以环境影响评价制度为主体的预防体系具有重要意义。在分析我国规划环境影响跟踪评价制度与实践进展的基础上,系统梳理了现行制度存在的启动情形不明、程序亟待规范、约束力不足等问题,并从按照审查意见要求启动跟踪评价、保障生态环境部门知情权与建议权、强化违反跟踪评价义务的法律后果等方面提出对策建议,为《中华人民共和国环境影响评价法》的修订完善提供参考。

     

我国环境影响评价制度实践与展望—环评法20周年回顾

环境影响评价（简称环评）制度具有从源头防止环境污染和生态破坏的重要作用,是环境保护参与综合决策的重要途径。2003年《中华人民共和国环境影响评价法》（简称环评法）的实施确立了环评这一环境管理制度的法律地位,是我国环评制度发展的里程碑。在环评法实施的20年间,从项目环评到规划环评,再到大区域战略环评与政策环评,我国环评制度实现了飞跃性发展。基于环评制度的研究与实践进展识别现存不足,可为我国下阶段环评制度发展提供参考。本文首先回顾环评制度体系发展,其次基于文献计量与可视化分析的方法,对环评法实施20年来我国环评制度研究进展进行总结与热点分析,结合分析结果梳理总结我国环评制度实践进展。建议未来从深入环评与排污许可制度衔接、加强事中事后监管、提高规划环评地位、加强政策环评发展和提高公众参与有效性等方面,进一步提高我国环评制度实施的有效性,助力我国生态环境质量持续改善和经济高质量发展。

     

政策环境影响评价利益相关方分析—以海南省禁塑政策为例

聚焦政策环境影响评价利益相关方,引入利益相关方理论、协同治理理论等有关理论,建立适用于政策环境影响评价的利益相关方分析方法框架,涵盖利益相关方识别、利益相关方参与、利益相关方分析和利益相关方协同,并将其应用于海南省禁塑政策环境影响评价试点利益相关方分析。结果表明：海南省禁塑政策执行给核心利益相关方成本利益带来明显改变,政府主体有较强的动因推动政策执行,但行政成本增加较大;企业主体最主要的成本变化来源于原材料成本增加,农贸市场商户是受政策影响利益损失最大的主体类型,可能会影响政策执行;政府和企业之间的利益冲突构成行为博弈关系,政府对企业违规行为的惩罚力度越高,企业守规的概率就越高,而企业守规的成本增加越大,政府的监管力度也越大;公众主体尤其是价格敏感型消费者,在禁塑政策执行下可能会采取改变生活消费的行为策略,但具体的改变作用有待观察。据此,从利益共荣、成本分摊、利益约束和利益补偿等方面提出促进利益相关方协同的优化对策建议。研究所构建的利益相关方分析方法有助于识别关键利益群体,厘清利益诉求和政策关联,促使各方以可接受的成本推进政策实施并实现环境公共利益的最大化。

     

累积影响评价:中国内地与香港的问题与实践探讨

将过去、现在和将来的其它活动包括在建议活动的评价范围 ,是累积影响评价区别于传统EIA的重要特征和关键环节 ,也是EIA进一步发展完善的重要趋势 .从法规要求、文本格式、时空范围、重点内容、减缓措施等方面 ,分析了内地和香港在环评实践过程中对累积影响的考虑状况及存在问题 .建议制定累积影响评价的技术方法导则 ,以法规的形式明确提出在项目、区域及策略环评中增加累积影响评价的内容 ,累积影响应在环评报告的摘要、目录及结论中专门列出 ,对累积影响时空范围的界定及重要性的判断应专门提供支持依据 ,评价的重点应较多地关注生态完整性、社会经济影响及全球性环境影响等 ,以更有效地预防累积环境影响问题 .     

Game theoretic analysis of environmental impact assessment system in China

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) system has been established in China since 1973. In present EIA cases, there are four participants in general: governments, enterprises, EIA organizations and the public. The public has held responsible for both social costs and social duties. The public supervises social costs produced by enterprises discharging pollutant in EIA. However public participation is mostly deputized by governments, which severely weaken the independence of the public as one participant in EIA. In this paper, EIA refers to the different attitudes of the participants whose optional strategies may be described by a proper game model. According to disfigurements in EIA, three sides (governments, enterprises, and EIA organizations) dynamic iterative game theory, dynamic game theory of incomplete information, and perfect Bayesian equilibrium theory to analyze the reciprocity relation among governments, EIA organizations and enterprises. The results show that in a short period, economic benefit is preponderant over social benefit. Governments and enterprises both do not want to take EIA to reveal social costs. EIA organizations’ income comes from enterprises and the collusions are built between them to vindicate economic benefit. In a long run, social benefit loss caused by environmental pollution must be recuperated sooner or later and environmental deterioration will influence the achievements of economic benefit, so both governments and enterprises are certain to pursue high social benefit and willing to take EIA, helpful to increase private benefit. EIA organizations will make fair assessment when their economic benefit are ensured. At present, the public as silent victims can not take actual part in EIA. The EIA system must be improved to break the present equilibrium of three sides, bringing the public to the equilibrium to exert public supervision.     

基于“价值规范-学科基质与评价模式-制度安排”的中国政策环评范式研究与应用初探

当前我国政策环评范式尚未形成普遍共识。梳理了政策与政策环评的相关概念,将政策划分为广义政策、狭义政策、政策工具3个层次,并认为政策环评对象应是狭义政策,政策分析不仅应将该政策置于其所属政策体系即广义政策中,还须从该政策方案所包含的相关政策工具入手,分析政策之间的关系以促进形成政策合力;提出了涵盖“价值规范-学科基质与评价模式-制度安排”等层次的政策环评范式,并以某省可再生能源政策为例进行了初步应用。最后就政策环评加强理论研究、积累实践经验、推进制度建设、最终构建政策环评范式等方面提出建议。

     

流域水电开发环境影响后评价实践与思考

环境影响后评价必将是未来环境影响评价领导另一新的研究课题,而目前尚未出台相关规范导则。本文根据流域环境影响后评价的工作实践,明确提出开展流域梯级水电开发环境影响后评价的理论框架和评价思路,供国内重点流域梯级水电开发开展环境影响后评价提供经验和参考。     

自然保护区生态旅游影响评价:进展与启示

自然保护区有效管理日益成为学术界、政府部门和非政府组织关注的一个焦点。近年来,生态旅游的发展和管理已经成为自然保护区管理中不容回避的重要问题。因此,研究旅游发展对自然保护区的影响并以此为基础建立自然保护区生态旅游的标准或评价指标体系,对于自然保护区管理理论的完善和管理实践的科学化具有非常重要的意义。论文阐述了自然保护区生态旅游生态环境和社会经济影响评价研究的相关方法与主要进展,认为保护区内生态旅游的实际效果与理论期望之间存在很大差距,从而在实践中引发了种种问题,对中国自然保护区的管理具有很好的警示作用。在中国自然保护区数量快速增长和旅游发展热情高涨的形势下,应重点做好三方面工作:①加强自然保护区生态旅游研究;②加强自然保护区生态旅游的规划、管理和监测;③强化生态旅游的经济贡献。