Precautionary principle
Introduction
The Precautionary principle is a strategy for approaching issues of potential harm when extensive scientific knowledge on the matter is lacking. It emphasizes caution, pausing, and review before leaping into new innovations that may prove disastrous. Researchers have articulated the principle in various ways, but all versions advocate for the adoption of precautionary measures when there are plausible, albeit uncertain, threats of damage to public health or the environment.
Origin and Definition
The precautionary principle originated in German environmental policy in the 1970s, under the term "Vorsorgeprinzip" (foresight principle). It was later adopted by other countries and international bodies to guide decision-making in situations of potentially severe or irreversible harm to the environment or human health, where there is a lack of definitive scientific consensus.
The principle is often used by policy and law makers in the fields of Public Health, Environmental Science, and Ethics. It is also a fundamental principle in many international environmental agreements, such as the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, 1992.
Interpretations and Applications
There are several interpretations of the precautionary principle, each with different implications for how precaution, scientific uncertainty, and risk are understood and managed. These interpretations range from weak to strong versions.
Weak Interpretations
Weak interpretations of the precautionary principle view it as a 'tie-breaker'. If two courses of action present equal benefits and risks, then the course of action that is more precautionary should be chosen. This interpretation is often used in the context of Risk Assessment in environmental and public health scenarios.
Strong Interpretations
Strong interpretations, on the other hand, allow for the possibility of taking precautionary measures in the absence of scientific consensus. This interpretation is often applied in the context of protecting the environment and public health from potentially serious or irreversible damage.
Criticisms and Controversies
The precautionary principle has been criticized for being overly cautious, stifling innovation, and being used for protectionist purposes. Critics argue that it can be used to justify arbitrary decisions, and that it creates a burden of proof that is impossible to meet.
Despite these criticisms, the principle is widely used in policy making, particularly in the European Union. It is also a fundamental part of international law, particularly in environmental treaties.
Conclusion
The precautionary principle plays a crucial role in policy making, particularly in areas of scientific uncertainty. It provides a framework for decision making that prioritizes caution and the prevention of harm. Despite criticisms, it remains a key principle in international law and environmental policy.