Topic 5.2.4, Page 180 Tiger Book Precautionary Principle

If the effects of a human induced change would be very large, perhaps catastrophic, those responsible for the change must prove that it will not do harm before proceeding This is particularly important when there is no scientific consensus on the outcome of the action Guides creation of policies in the European Union, United Nations and in Canada ( Examples: Addressing crime, GMO’s, Approval of Drugs, Climate Change Everyday usage: "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure", "better safe than sorry", and "look before you leap"

In all definitions, the following two elements exist: an expression of a need by decision-makers to anticipate harm before it occurs. Within this element lies an implicit reversal of the onus of proof: under the precautionary principle it is the responsibility of an activity proponent to establish that the proposed activity will not (or is very unlikely to) result in significant harm. the establishment of an obligation, if the level of harm may be high, for action to prevent or minimise such harm even when the absence of scientific certainty makes it difficult to predict the likelihood of harm occurring, or the level of harm should it occur. The need for control measures increases with both the level of possible harm and the degree of uncertainty

“In order to protect the environment, the precautionary approach shall be widely applied by States according to their capabilities. Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation.” Principle 15 of the Rio Declaration 1992

The most terrifying video you’ll ever see.. teacher-spreads-the-word-on-climate-change.html teacher-spreads-the-word-on-climate-change.html

Precautionary Principle as it relates to current news Facebook gives you cancer… k-gives-you-cancer-and-infantilises-the-population-ahem/ k-gives-you-cancer-and-infantilises-the-population-ahem/ Cell phones give you cancer… video?utm_source=cell&utm_medium= &utm_content =top&utm_campaign=toxics video?utm_source=cell&utm_medium= &utm_content =top&utm_campaign=toxics

Course companion Read the new uncertainty principle Page 182 #1 and 2