Established Procedures
(Traditional)		 New Emphasis
(Alternative)
  • Species oriented

  • Linear/extrapolative

  • Causal


  • Individualistic/segmented

  • "Snapshot"

  • Hierarchical/classificational


  • Structural
  • Community/ecosystem-oriented

  • Non-linear/nonmonotonic

  • Interactive/mutual
    causation

  • Holistic/integrative

  • Evolving/dynamic

  • Contextural/relevance
    selective

  • Functional

Figure 2. Conceptual frameworks for impact assessment. Source: Vlachos, Assessing long-range cumulative impacts. In Environmental Impact Assessment, Technology Assessment and Risk Analysis, 68 (1985).