Motivating a change in environmental assessment practice: Consultant perspectives on SDG integration

The responsive nature of environmental assessment (EA) subjects it to the political conversations that drive future planning and development, one most relevant being increased attention given a sustainable transition. This has catalyzed an interest amongst practitioners urge traditional EA practice towards with regard for sustainability objectives, understood, in this case, be guided driven by Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Using theoretical framework practitioner's ‘spaces practice’ interviews consultants Denmark Republic Ireland, paper unfolds motivation have integrating SDGs their practice. includes both outlining overarching opportunities enable adoption new practices perceived capacities demotivate integration attempts. results are then compared correlated across countries, showing emerging from shifting aligning strategic goals, but also identifying challenges hindering implementation These range intrinsic conditions individual practitioner extrinsic relations between stakeholder groups. study suggests directing theory on how construct better address divide SDG