Системний підхід до оцінювання впливу на довкілля та перебіг природних процесів

Abstract

У публікації проаналізовано застосування системного підходу у процедурі оцінки впливу на довкілля як інструменту виявлення усіх можливих екологічних наслідків від провадження планованої діяльності. З’ясовано підстави та переваги підготовки матеріалів з оцінки впливу на довкілля та природні процеси на основі принципу системності. Запропоновано алгоритм застосування системного аналізу при підготовці звіту про оцінку впливу на довкілля. Основну увагу приділено опису та оцінці поточного стану довкілля, а також факторів і природних процесів, які можуть зазнати впливу в процесі підготовчих робіт.

This publication is devoted to a timely study of the theoretical foundations and practical tools for applying a systems approach within the framework of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) procedure in Ukraine. The relevance of the topic stems from the profound transformation of the “nature–society–economy” system, where any economic activity– from construction to the repurposing of facilities – inevitably alters the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of natural processes. The author argues that the traditional use of linear analysis and the search for simple cause-and-effect relationships is currently unfounded and hinders the achievement of a balance between the environmental, social, and economic components of sustainable development. The article reveals the essence of systems analysis as a set of methods that allow planned activities to be viewed not as a collection of isolated operations, but as a holistic open system that interacts with the external environment through “input” (resources) and “output” (products, emissions) flows. The study is based on K. L. von Bertalanffy’s general systems theory. The author proposes a specific algorithm for systems analysis in the EIA process, which includes three key stages: decomposition (breaking down a complex environmental problem into manageable parts), analysis of parts (assessing the impact on specific components: air, water, biodiversity), and synthesis (forming a general conclusion regarding the acceptability of an activity based on a balance of interests). Particular attention is paid to the practical implementation of a systematic approach in key documents of the EIA procedure. The author analyzes the preparation stage of the “Notice of Planned Activity Subject to Environmental Impact Assessment,” highlighting the widespread problem of merely going through the motions when completing the section on socio-economic impacts. It is demonstrated that a systemic approach allows this section to be transformed from a simple declaration of “job creation” into a strategic analysis of the project’s feasibility, taking into account the limited nature of local natural resources and logistical burdens. The article demonstrates that examining socio-economic impacts through the lens of systems analysis allows for achieving a balance between productivity and environmental conservation. In the context of preparing an EIA Report, the necessity of applying systems analysis to assess cumulative impacts and describe the current state of the environment is substantiated. As an illustration, the author provides an example of assessing the impact on atmospheric air: using a systems approach allows not only to confirm the presence of emissions but also to predict changes in the microclimate due to the release of water vapor or greenhouse gases, as well as to assess the risks of environmentally related diseases among the population. This approach transforms disparate data into a structured model of the facility’s operation. The article also explores the roles of environmental protection stakeholders: authorized bodies act as arbiters, making decisions based on a balance of interests; economic entities often demonstrate limited application of the systems approach; and the public.