Abstract for: A Dynamic Framework for Environmental Impact Assessments: Advancing Sustainability and Resilience

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are crucial for aligning development with sustainability goals. However, traditional EIA frameworks often fail to address interdependencies, feedback loops, and long-term impacts. This paper introduces a dynamic EIA framework to enhance rigor, adaptability, and stakeholder engagement, addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. The framework integrates robust baseline data collection, multi-criteria analysis, cumulative impact assessments, and adaptive management practices. A dynamic systems perspective, supported by Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs), visualizes interdependencies and feedback mechanisms among environmental, social, and economic variables, fostering comprehensive decision-making. The proposed framework captures complex interactions and provides actionable insights for improving mitigation strategies, enhancing environmental integrity, and building stakeholder trust. Feedback loops, such as those fostering sustainability and resilience, reinforce the adaptability and effectiveness of the EIA process. The dynamic EIA framework bridges critical gaps in traditional practices, promoting transparency, stakeholder participation, and long-term sustainability. Future research should explore its application across diverse contexts to address evolving environmental challenges and refine adaptive strategies. This evolution ensures that development activities align with global sustainability goals while fostering environmental and social resilience.