The authors discuss current thinking on Social Impact Assessment, which requires federal agencies to use natural and social sciences to determine the environmental impact of their decisions. Established when the National Environmental Policy Act became law in 1970, several changes have occurred since as communities have become more involved in the process--but much of the impact assessment is outdated. The authors provide analysis and thoughts on improvement. Topics include: current issues and trends, theoretical foundations, considering gender in social impact assessment, disasters and climate change, enhancing effectiveness through deliberative democracy, and human impact assessment as a framework for integration. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)