Environmental Impact

An environmental impact is a change or effect on the environment resulting from either human activities or natural events. These impacts can affect ecosystems, biodiversity, air and water quality, and human health. Some examples include overpopulation, acid rain, oil spills, wildfires, ocean acidification, and soil contamination. Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) are often conducted in order to evaluate the potential consequences of development projects or policies and to propose measures for mitigating negative impacts and enhancing positive outcomes.