Which assessment method helps prioritize environmental aspects and impacts?

Risk assessment is the approach that helps prioritize environmental aspects and impacts by systematically identifying potential hazards and evaluating the likelihood and consequences of those hazards. This method focuses on understanding the severity and probability of adverse outcomes associated with specific activities or processes, allowing for the prioritization of these risks based on their potential impact on the environment.

By analyzing the risks, organizations can make informed decisions on where to focus their resources and efforts to mitigate those risks most effectively. It not only assists in recognizing critical environmental aspects but also guides in developing strategies to minimize or eliminate negative impacts.

In contrast, impact assessments generally evaluate the effects of proposed activities on the environment, lifecycle assessments consider the environmental impacts across the entire lifecycle of a product or service, and environmental audits review compliance and performance against standards. While these methods provide valuable information, they do not inherently prioritize risks in the same explicit manner as risk assessment does.