Environmental Justice in the Anthropocene: A Review of Methodological Biases in Impact Assessment Studies

The Anthropocene epoch, characterized by profound human-induced alterations to Earth's systems, has amplified environmental injustices, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities through climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and resource extraction. Impact assessment studies, including environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and social impact assessments (SIAs), serve as critical tools for evaluating these effects and informing policy. However, methodological biases in these studies often undermine their validity, leading to incomplete or skewed representations of environmental justice issues. This narrative review critically examines the methodological biases inherent in impact assessment research within the Anthropocene context, focusing not on empirical findings but on how studies are conducted. Drawing from peer-reviewed journal articles published, the review identifies key biases such as selection bias, measurement error, geographic skew, and insufficient incorporation of participatory approaches. These biases frequently result from inadequate data collection strategies, overreliance on quantitative metrics that overlook qualitative dimensions of justice, and limited engagement with affected communities. The objectives are to map prevalent methodological flaws, explore their implications for environmental justice, and propose pathways for more equitable research practices. By highlighting these critiques, the review underscores the need for reflexive, inclusive methodologies that address procedural, distributive, and recognition justice in the face of escalating Anthropocene challenges. Ultimately, mitigating biases in impact assessments is essential for advancing environmental justice and ensuring that policies mitigate rather than exacerbate inequalities.