Beyond precautionary principle: policy-making under uncertainty and complexity

The precautionary principle and environmental policy: science, uncertainty, and sustainability.

n matters of personal health, prevention and precaution are widely recognized " best practices. " Policymakers are eager to endorse suggestions that we exercise or eat more fiber, or avoid tobacco and alcohol. Policies governing the release of toxic chemicals into the environment have not reflected similar common sense and foresight. However , there are some positive signs that this is changing...

Implications of the Precautionary Principle in research and policy-making.

The Precautionary Principle (PP) has recently been formally introduced into national and international law. The key element is the justification for acting in the face of uncertainty. The PP is thereby a tool for avoiding possible future harm associated with suspected, but not conclusive, environmental risks. Under the PP, the burden of proof is shifted from demonstrating the presence of risk t...

The precautionary principle and the theory of choice under uncertainty

The precautionary principle, presented as a guide to environmental policy decisions in the presence of uncertainty, has been the subject of vigorous debate. However, the has generally not been discussed in relation to formal theories of choice under uncertainty developed as generalizations of the expected utility model. In this paper, it is argued that a formal basis for the precautionary princ...

The precautionary principle in environmental policy and the theory of choice under uncertainty

The precautionary principle, presented as a guide to environmental policy decisions in the presence of uncertainty, has been the subject of vigorous debate. However, the has generally not been discussed in relation to formal theories of choice under uncertainty developed as generalizations of the expected utility model. In this paper, it is argued that a formal basis for the precautionary princ...

Decision-making under scientific uncertainty : The economics of the Precautionary Principle