Sensitivity Analysis: The approach to integrate ecological and socio-economic impact assessments
Authors: de Bie Steven 
Published: December 2007

Environmental policy in the oil and gas industry is guided by the overall objective to minimise and, if possible, to eliminate discharges and to protect the environment. This challenge for environmental performance has resulted in considerable efforts by industry for progressive reductions in discharges and for continuous improvement in the use of natural resources and energy. Environmental impact assessment is the tool commonly applied for the identification of potential hazards, the assessment of their impact on the natural environment and the formulation of mitigation measures resulting in improved project design and operations. In recent years the approach to assess the socio-economic impacts has become more structured as well.

In general, mitigation mainly focuses on technology-based "end-of-pipe" and "environmental quality" standards. These approaches are limited to discharges into air, water and soil and their eco-toxicological effects. They do not completely cover the especially long-term aspects of the natural environment, while socio-cultural and socio-economic aspects are generally not considered, and if so, in a non-systematic way.

The analysis of ecological and socio-economic sensitivities of the environment offers a more promising approach in this respect as it focuses on the key components and processes which are critical to the composition and integrity of both the environment and its functions to mankind. It is demonstrated that by assessing the sensitivities of the environment, all aspects of environmental protection are taken account of in a systematic and balanced way, in which ecological and sociocultural-economic aspects are integrated, and will lead to improved environmental performance in the oil and gas industry.

Introduction

When the first European explorers arrived at Easter Island in the Pacific Ocean they found a barren, treeless island littered with gigantic statues. Once this island was covered with palm forest and supported a population as many as 7000 people. Timber was a vital but final resource for the Easter islanders, not the least because it was an essential tool in the uplifting of their status. As demands on timber increased as a result of rising numbers of statues due to increasing rivalry and wars, the forest was eventually removed. The Easter Island society collapsed: it had destroyed the resource on which it depended.

Since the collapse of Easter Island we have learnt only very slowly as mismanagement of our environment is still going on: desertification, deforestation, overfishing and contamination of air, soil and water are processes that take place, up to this day at an ever increasing rate and over a still increasing area.

However, also the awareness that a sustainable society demands a sound environmental management is growing. The Brundtland Commission called for 'Sustainable Development': meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (WCED 1987). This principle was adopted at the Rio Conference by all parties of society including industry, and laid down in the Agenda 21. Especially after the Rio Conference (1993) there is a pressure from all parts of our society to pursue sound environmental management, or even better, integrated health, safety and environmental management in all activities, especially industrial ones.

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