An environmental and social assessment (ESA) is a formalized report within the practice of the World Bank and ADB. Environmental and Social Assessment refers to a process of analysis and planning to ensure the environmental and social impacts and risks of a project are identified, avoided, minimized, reduced or mitigated throughout the project life-cycle.

Environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) refers to an instrument to identify and assess the potential environmental and social impacts of a proposed project, evaluate alternatives, and design appropriate mitigation, management, and monitoring measures.

Impact assessments are aggregated at varying levels.

Compare:

• Social Impact Assessment
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Environmental Social and Health Impact Assessment
• Cumulative Impact Assessment

Impact assessment documents further examine particular topics of relevance:

• Biodiversity Assessment
• Security Assessment
• Risk Assessment

References

World Bank. 2018. "Acronyms, abbreviations and glossary," Environmental and Social Framework Resources Washington D.C.: World Bank.