Logical chains in territorial impact assessment

Abstract In a way similar to the established impact assessment system (e.g. EIA, SEA), territorial impact assessment (TIA) explores the causal links between proposed actions and impacts. TIA constitutes a case of special interest in impact assessment as it operates at an uncommonly high tier of proposed action – e.g. EU directives – with a wide reach of potential outcomes, at various scales. Recent TIA developments have been using a causality analysis technique known as ‘logical chains’, and it is precisely here that a recent experimental application of TIA encountered shortcomings capable of compromising TIA itself. The article reports on these shortcomings, conceptual and practical resolutions, as well as case-study feedback from stakeholders.

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