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Social Impact Assessment in Europe: A Study of Social Impacts in Three Danish Cases

Author

Listed:
  • Sanne Vammen Larsen

    (The Danish Centre for Environmental Assessment, Aalborg University, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark)

  • Anne Merrild Hansen

    (The Danish Centre for Environmental Assessment, Aalborg University, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark)

  • Ivar Lyhne

    (The Danish Centre for Environmental Assessment, Aalborg University, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark)

  • Sara Bjørn Aaen

    (The Danish Centre for Environmental Assessment, Aalborg University, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark)

  • Eva Ritter

    (The Danish Centre for Environmental Assessment, Aalborg University, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark)

  • Helle Nielsen

    (The Danish Centre for Environmental Assessment, Aalborg University, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark)

Abstract

Social impact assessment (SIA) is applied worldwide to assess social impacts of plans and projects. In Europe, directives on environmental assessment (EA) require attention to social impacts, however, there is a need to investigate the implementation in practise. To this end, we study three Danish cases, which are characterised by debates and conflicts on social issues. Analysis of the EA statements shows inclusion of a broad range of social impacts. However, the EAs do not fully match the concerns of the public, and social impacts are not always analysed in depth, mitigation measures are not suggested or are postponed and the geographical distribution of impacts assessed is biased towards including negative local impacts. We discuss the scope and handling of social impacts, and possible implications. Based on this, we conclude with the view that EA might do the job of handling social impacts in Europe, if practise is improved.

Suggested Citation

  • Sanne Vammen Larsen & Anne Merrild Hansen & Ivar Lyhne & Sara Bjørn Aaen & Eva Ritter & Helle Nielsen, 2015. "Social Impact Assessment in Europe: A Study of Social Impacts in Three Danish Cases," Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management (JEAPM), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 17(04), pages 1-24, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:wsi:jeapmx:v:17:y:2015:i:04:n:s1464333215500386
    DOI: 10.1142/S1464333215500386
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ivar Lyhne, 2011. "Between Policy-Making And Planning Sea And Strategic Decision-Making In The Danish Energy Sector," Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management (JEAPM), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 13(03), pages 319-341.
    2. Wolsink, Maarten, 2000. "Wind power and the NIMBY-myth: institutional capacity and the limited significance of public support," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 21(1), pages 49-64.
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    1. Pohl, Johannes & Rudolph, David & Lyhne, Ivar & Clausen, Niels-Erik & Aaen, Sara Bjørn & Hübner, Gundula & Kørnøv, Lone & Kirkegaard, Julia K., 2021. "Annoyance of residents induced by wind turbine obstruction lights: A cross-country comparison of impact factors," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    2. Larsen, Sanne Vammen & Hansen, Anne Merrild & Nielsen, Helle Nedergaard, 2018. "The role of EIA and weak assessments of social impacts in conflicts over implementation of renewable energy policies," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 115(C), pages 43-53.
    3. Merethe Dotterud Leiren & Stine Aakre & Kristin Linnerud & Tom Erik Julsrud & Maria-Rosaria Di Nucci & Michael Krug, 2020. "Community Acceptance of Wind Energy Developments: Experience from Wind Energy Scarce Regions in Europe," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-22, February.

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