impact assessment topics
Other IA Topics
other Impact assessment topics
More to discover: Emerging and cross-cutting IA Topics
Impact assessment (IA) is an interdisciplinary, evolving field that extends well beyond any single category. In addition to our featured focus areas, IAIA members and practitioners engage with a wide variety of emerging, cross-cutting, and niche topics.
Many of these topics overlap with, or fall within, the broader categories already highlighted on this site — demonstrating how interconnected IA issues are and how they often require integrated approaches. These additional topics reflect innovation in practice, respond to global challenges, and illustrate how IA can adapt to diverse contexts and needs.

Why impact assessment?
These topics all work toward the same goal: BETTER DECISIONS FOR PEOPLE AND THE PLANET.
Here are just a few examples of other IA topics...
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
Applying impact assessment principles to policies, plans, and programs, connecting with governance and implementation systems.
Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA)
Identifying, preventing, and mitigating human rights risks and impacts in projects and policies, often complementing social impact or governance assessments.
Impact Assessment Follow-up
Ensuring that commitments made during assessment are implemented, impacts are tracked over time, and management is adjusted as needed to address unforeseen outcomes — critical for accountability and learning.
Economic Impacts & Circular Economy
Assessing how projects influence economies and livelihoods while promoting resource efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable use of materials.
Transboundary Assessments
Addressing impacts that cross national or regional boundaries, requiring international cooperation, often tied to governance and conflict.
Psycho-Social Impact Assessment (PSIA)
Examining how projects affect mental health, emotional well-being, and social relationships, often as part of broader social or health impact assessments.
Explore IAIA's resources on these topics...

IAPA Volume 43, Issue 3 (2025)
Explore IAPA Volume 43 Issue 3, featuring peer-reviewed articles and insights on impact assessment. Free access for IAIA members.

From Bologna to Québec City: Mapping a Journey from IAIA25 to IAIA26
IAIA CEO Gary Baker reflects on AI takeaways from IAIA25 and how they shape the road to IAIA26’s theme of communication and misinformation.

IAPA Volume 43, Issue 2 (2025): Territorial Impact Assessment
Explore IAPA Volume 43 Issue 2, featuring a focus on Territorial Impact Assessment via peer-reviewed articles and insights.

Psycho-Social Impact Assessment for SIA/HIA
Presenters: Sergio Moreira, Michael Edelstein, Helen Ross, Catherine Fairbairn, Ruari Carthew
Facilitator: Will Rifkin
Recorded: 25 March 2025

IAPA Volume 43, Issue 1 (2025)
Explore IAPA Volume 43 Issue 1, featuring peer-reviewed articles and insights on impact assessment. Free access for IAIA members.