The evolution of Environmental Assessment through storytelling – Stories from five decades of experience

This paper aims to explore the evolution of EA as a concept and as a tool through the thoughts, perspectives and reflections of those who have lived-through 50 years of EA practice. It presents findings from research informed by interviews through storytelling with 12 longstanding practitioners and scholars who have engaged with EA over five decades. The narratives collected and the emerging discourses provide useful insight into the “story” of the evolution of EA thus far, reflecting on the internal and external motivations driving EA’s evolution, and looking to where EA might go next, and how it might continue to evolve. The findings call for a return to more holistic conversations about the environment, and for greater advocacy at the heart of decision-making and institutional structures to enhance the influence of EA.