Constructing a paradigm of environmental impact assessment under the new era of ecological civilization in China

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) paradigm comprises the beliefs generally accepted and followed by the scientific community, the research on discipline theories and dominant methods jointly promoted and formed, the institutional arrangements commonly observed, and the practical activities generated. Based on defining the connotation of the EIA paradigm and the interrelationship among its elements, this study analyzes the development of the EIA paradigm over the past 40 years, according to the leading force of institution formation and change, divides it into three stages: the initial stage (from early 1970s to early 1990s), the strengthening stage (from early 1990s to 2015), and the reform stage (since 2015). Afterward, the problems faced after the reform of the EIA are summarized from the EIA paradigm's belief, theory, institution, and practice. Under the new era of ecological civilization in China, EIA's value, disciplinary, institutional, and practical attributes should achieve effective interaction. From the abovementioned discussion, this study puts forward policy recommendations for China's EIA paradigm. •Define the connotation of environmental impact assessment (EIA) paradigm.•Review the development of China's EIA.•Summarize the problems from the perspective of paradigm.