Research in cumulative effects assessment (CEA) is advancing in many ways; however, gaps between normative expectations and regulatory approaches remain in many jurisdictions. This chapter profiles CEA requirements and practice in eight countries – Australia, Brazil, Canada, Ghana, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria and the United Kingdom – and discusses implications for practice effectiveness internationally. Overall, national governments are largely responsible for setting legal frameworks; however, each country differs in terms of requirements, scope, approach and capacity. Experience in developed countries is more advanced when it comes to sector-based innovations, industry-led guidance, and peer review and evaluation. Though capacity is reportedly limited, there has been a shift toward explicit legal provisions for higher-order environmental assessments such as strategic environmental assessment and regional environmental assessment for better CEA outcomes in some developing countries. A systems perspective to CEA legislation, consistent interpretation of provisions by courts and strong political leadership are required to facilitate better practice.
Olagunju, AyodeleAppiah, DivineCavalcanti, Paulina Maria Porto SilvaDurning, Bridget Tejeda-Gonzalez, Juan CarlosMacLean, JasonMorgan, RichardNelson, Rebecca
School of the Built Environment
Year of publication: 2021Date of RADAR deposit: 2019-12-04
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