Greater involvement of impact assessment (IA) specialists is vital to making smart global COVID-19 recovery and climate change choices. They have the expertise to provide oversight for the worldwide infrastructure transition to achieve a net zero carbon target in 30 years. Through this project, IA specialists will provide expertise to banks, insurance firms, attorney organizations, journalists, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Arctic Council.
As the world addresses global unemployment and COVID-19 recovery, the climate change emergency remains, with profound implications for health, biodiversity, and environmental & social systems. Large-scale recovery programs will emphasize infrastructure development projects. While investment in traditional infrastructure (e.g., roads and bridges), is important, the scientific consensus is a rapid transition away from fossil fuels is critical to address the climate emergency.
IA focuses on identifying preferred alternatives during design of projects and programs and in designing and implementing effective mitigation strategies. IAIA will provide increased involvement from IA specialists through: (1) engaging in collaboration with financial institutions, insurance firms, attorney organizations, & journalists; (2) championing the precautionary use of IA with Conference of the Parties (COP) & the UNFCCC; and (3) providing Observer status advice to the Arctic Council.
This project will bring increased critical expertise to address climate change mitigation and adaptation, conservation of biodiversity and natural systems, as well as, the sustainable stewardship of the Earth's resources. IAIA will help to ensure the greater ability of nations to reorient and rejuvenate their economies and to weather future unexpected global events. IAIA's engagement can also ensure greater attention to social and economic equity, indigenous peoples, and cultural heritage.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
