Advancing Cumulative Impact Assessment in the Global South

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Development Studies
• Policy Analysis

Background:

• Growing infrastructure development (data centers, energy, mining, agriculture) presents complex environmental challenges, particularly in the Global South.
• Assessing and managing the combined effects of these developments, known as cumulative impacts, is critical but often lacks structured approaches.
• Limited experience and capacity for cumulative impact assessment (CIA) hinder effective environmental management in many Global South nations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key barriers to the widespread adoption of cumulative impact assessment (CIA) in the Global South.
• To discuss the necessity of adapting CIA methodologies to the specific legal and sociopolitical contexts of different jurisdictions.
• To advocate for advancing the CIA agenda through international collaboration and tailored solutions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing challenges in impact assessment.
• Analysis of factors hindering CIA adoption in the Global South.
• Comparative reflection on approaches from the Global North and their applicability.

Main Results:

• Three primary barriers identified: (i) absence of specific legal requirements despite general provisions, (ii) low institutional capacity and weak governance for mitigating cumulative impacts, and (iii) insufficient guidance and expert capacity-building.
• Existing CIA approaches, while valuable, require adaptation to be fit-for-purpose in diverse Global South contexts.
• There is a significant need for context-specific guidance and capacity development to enable effective CIA.

Conclusions:

• Effective cumulative impact assessment in the Global South requires addressing legal, institutional, and capacity-related barriers.
• Adapting international best practices to local realities is essential for successful implementation of CIA.
• A collaborative effort involving scholars, practitioners, regulators, and civil society is needed to advance the CIA agenda and develop "cumulative solutions".