Response to Dusík and Bond

Abstract

ABSTRACT Dusík and Bond introduce the EU taxonomy on green finance as an opportunity to kick off the much-needed revolution in environmental impact assessment (EIA). The persistent weaknesses of EIA lead to negative trade-offs between the social, economic, and environmental domains. In my response, I attribute the apparent weakness of EIA to processes in society, and not so much to the instrument itself. Weaknesses that may hinder the implementation of the EU taxonomy as well. Yet, there seems to be a window of opportunity in society, to move from the limited and flawed ‘do not harm’ approach to a transition-focused ‘do good’ approach. The taxonomy provides a way forward, and EIA has the potential to avoid the taxonomy from becoming a green washing instrument. But it is the EIA community that has to take the necessary steps; the financial world will not look to the EIA for help.