impact assessment topics

Other IA 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...

Webinar

Think Big Virtual Forum: Climate Adaptation in Megacities

Presenters: Mr. Chin-Wan Tse; Prof. Kenneth Mei Yee Leung; Prof Leung Wing Mo; Armstrong Cheng; Mr. Dickson Tsui; Kirstie Sze Nga Cheng; Prof Lam Chiu Ying; Dr. David Gallacher; Robert Rubinstein; Dr. Thomas Tang

Recorded: 23 October – 27 November 2024

IAPA

impact assessment topics

Other IA Topics

other Impact assessment topics

More to discover: Emerging and cross-cutting IA Topics

Why impact assessment?