Precautionary Principle

Synonyms

Precautionary approach; Preventive principle

Definition

The precautionary principle is an action or policy that should not be implemented if, following the assessment of the available information, it may represent a threat of serious, irreversible, or unpredictable damage to the environment or human health.

Precautionary risk management

The precautionary principle is an approach to risk management developed under circumstances of scientific uncertainty and where the consequences of a certain action may represent a potentially severe or unpredictable risk. The precautionary principle arose initially in 1970s German environmental legislation as the “Vorsorgeprinzip,” regarding acid rain and justification for energy tax policies (Boehmer-Christiansen, 1994); “Vorsorgep” means foresight or anticipation with overtones of deliberated planning (Whiteside, 2006). At a higher level, it was recognized in the World Charter for Nature, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in...