In this episode of The No Nonsense Sustainability Podcast, host Ildiko Almasi Simsic welcomes Gary Baker, CEO of the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA). They discuss the evolving role of impact assessments in sustainable development and decision-making. Gary Baker explains the mission of IAIA and the importance of impact assessments in improving decision-making processes across various levels. The conversation delves into the misconceptions surrounding im

In this episode of The No Nonsense Sustainability Podcast, host Ildiko Almasi Simsic welcomes Peter Nelson, Team Lead for SEA2050 and Planning Green Futures International. They explore the complexities of national-scale Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) and their potential impact on future planning. The discussion delves into the intricacies of SEAs, examining their role in analyzing policies, plans, and programs for environmental, social, and economic impacts. Peter

In this episode of The No Nonsense Sustainability Podcast, host Ildiko Almasi Simsic welcomes Dr. Adegboyega Lawal from Nigeria's Federal Ministry. Dr. Lawal shares insights into his role overseeing environmental permitting and compliance in Nigeria. The conversation delves into the complexities of environmental permitting in a developing country, addressing challenges like aligning local laws with international standards and the importance of public consultations. Dr. Lawal

In this episode of The No-Nonsense Sustainability Podcast, host Ildiko Almasi Simsic welcomes Ben Cave, a leading expert in Health Impact Assessments (HIA). The discussion centers around what HIAs are and how they can be effectively implemented in development projects. Ben Cave explains the determinants of health, highlighting environmental, social, and economic factors. He also delves into the importance of considering vulnerable groups in HIAs and the role of health deter

In this episode of the No Nonsense Sustainability Podcast, host Ildiko Almasi Simsic welcomes back Paul Lawrence, a senior social advisor, to discuss the intricacies of stakeholder engagement. The conversation delves into the practical aspects of engaging stakeholders beyond the typical corporate checkbox, focusing on real-world applications and challenges. Paul Lawrence shares his insights on the importance of listening and responding to stakeholders, emphasizing that engag

In this episode of the No Nonsense Sustainability podcast, host Ildiko Almasi Simsic welcomes Nikola Nikacevic, co-founder of EON+ and creator of the Envigo platform. They discuss the transformation of environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA) through digital technology. Nikola shares his journey from academia to entrepreneurship, focusing on how technology can streamline and enhance the impact assessment process. The conversation delves into the evolution of impact

In this solo episode of The No Nonsense Sustainability Podcast, host Ildiko Almasi Simsic delves into the history and evolution of environmental and social safeguards. She explores how these standards, initially born out of protests and public outrage, have shaped the policies of international financial institutions. The episode provides a comprehensive look at how these safeguards have developed over time and their current significance. Ildiko discusses the origins of these

In this episode of The No Nonsense Sustainability Podcast, host Ildiko Almasi Simsic welcomes Josh Fothergrill from Fothergill Training & Consulting to discuss the evolving field of environmental and social impact assessments (EIA). The conversation centers around the need for proportionate EIA, a concept aimed at making impact assessments more effective and focused. Josh Fothergrill explains the challenges of current EIA practices, such as the overwhelming length of reports

In the inaugural episode of The No Nonsense Sustainability Podcast, host Ildiko Almasi Simsic welcomes Paul Lawrence, a senior social advisor, to discuss the intricacies of community engagement. The episode delves into the often misunderstood concept of "the community" and how organizations can effectively engage with various stakeholders. Lawrence shares his insights on the importance of listening and understanding the diverse opinions within a community, highlighting the ch

Human intelligence vs. artificial intelligence