This is the first volume of a two-part series on exploring the frontiers of IA. This Volume investigates environmental IA with a focus on technology and place; Part 2 (Volume 21) will consider the frontiers of health, wellbeing and social impact assessments.

Here, we aim to shine a spotlight on a range of emergent IA forms and methodologies and the sectors in which they are used. The articles here provide the opportunity to share experiences, look into the practices of related impact assessment fields, and peer into the corners of our own practice areas. This volume will provide inspiration for your IA activities and to improve IA practice; opportunities to borrow complementary approaches, and spark ideas to collaboratively resolve IA conundrums.

The first three articles explore how digital opportunities relate to multiple IA fields. Ella Niehorster explores how the use of databases in IA can bring both challenges and benefits, and she encourages others to give it a try. The second article is provided by Paul Wyeth who shares his perspective on the potential role of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology in improving seascape assessments. The theme of AI, and its responsible adoption, is picked up and explored further by Dr Vincent Miller, along with a discussion around the need for the impact assessment of AI itself.

The second set of articles reflect the strong desire among practitioners to improve existing IA practice approaches; a desire that supports the development of new IA approaches. Robyn Burman’s article sets out the challenges faced in assessing the environmental impacts of a relatively new UK sector for the licensing of spaceflight activities. Valentina Cavanna explores new requirements for supply chain IA, which is something that relates to many products and services with which we may interact indirectly in our lives on a daily basis, but which we rarely see.

Dino Giordanelli has provided an enlightening thought piece on the future of contaminated land assessments within or without EIA. The search is on for the proportionate assessment of impacts to designated heritage assets in the article by Jenny Timothy. The development of guiding principles in Ed Walker’s article help to navigate uncertainty and implement highly specialist IA for coastal projects. Finally, Dr Rufus A Howard outlines Bioregional Impact Assessment as an innovative approach to the evolution of traditional EIA. 

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