Understanding human environment studies: Key words and definitions
Planning and development
Planning and development cover all actions, policies, and regulations that organize and structure land use planning, land use, location of infrastructure and built environments, resource management, and protection of natural and built environments. The planning and development framework is based on visions and goals defined by local stakeholders.
Psychological impacts
Psychological impacts refer to the behaviour, reactions and judgment, reasoning, identity, and capacity for resilience of individuals or groups resulting from awareness of a project that introduces changes to the territory and from the project’s construction and operation. They can be positive or negative depending on an individual’s personal situation, expectations, and values.
Socio-economic benefits
The socio-economic benefits are the positive effects of the project on the social and economic conditions of the populations, communities, and territories concerned.
They can be seen in measurable or qualitative improvements in community well-being, economic activity, access to services, employment opportunities, and community vitality, and are a component of the overall impact on the human environment.
Sensitive receptors
A sensitive receptor is an element of the human environment (population, group, public building and social or public services, individual residence or housing, location or area of human activity) that may be exposed to changes generated by the project for an extended period of time.
Social impacts
Social impacts are changes, positive or negative, that affect individuals, groups, communities, or society as a result of a project.
They relate to living conditions, social relations, the organization of the territory, well-being, access to services, social cohesion, cultural practices, and the public’s perception and acceptability of the project.
Vulnerable population or group
Vulnerable populations or groups are individuals or groups of individuals in the general population who, due to increased susceptibility or exposure, are more likely than the general population to experience adverse effects from exposure to a project.
Why study the human environment?
The study of components of the human environment aims to shed light on how the project impacts communities and their populations. In particular, it looks at the social, economic, built, and cultural dimensions of the territories concerned. The exercise helps us anticipate the positive and negative effects of the project on individuals, communities, and the territory in order to maximize the benefits and reduce the impacts. The results support decision-making to foster responsible and socially acceptable development by including measures to enhance the benefits, by influencing project design and development measures, or by adding specific mitigation measures.
What do studies of the human environment involve?
The purpose of studies of the human environment is to document a set of components that address the territorial and population dynamics that exist within the communities where the project will take place. The knowledge, data, and trends collected will then be used to add insight to the study of project impacts. The most frequently documented topics are:
- Demographics and demographic trends and challenges
- Socio-economic benefits
- The planning and development framework, including land use and occupancy
- Quality of life
- Mobility, transportation, and traffic
- Public safety
- Built and cultural heritage
- Archaeology and archaeological potential
- Physical and psychological health
- Existing public infrastructure and social or public services
- Private property
- The landscape
Specific methodologies adapted to each of the topics mentioned above are applied.
