IngentaConnect Europes precautionary principle: promise and pitfalls

Authors: Graham J.D.; Hsia S.

Source: Journal of Risk Research, Volume 5, Number 4, 1 October 2002 , pp. 371-390(20)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

Abstract:

The European Union, through a recent 'Communication' from the Commission, has sought to legitimize the precautionary principle while establishing criteria for adoption of appropriate precautionary measures. Although the precautionary principle is not new and indeed reflects a basic human instinct, this article argues that the EC makes a constructive contribution towards formalizing it by describing the principle in the context of established processes of risk analysis: objective scientific evaluation, risk assessment, risk management and risk communication. The EC's reference to a broad spectrum of precautionary measures, subject to specific managerial criteria, also offers some assurance that the principle shall be implemented through thoughtful processes of decision making. There are pitfalls in the EC approach that should be rectified in future refinements of the principle. Critical terms need to be defined, the evidentiary hurdles for precaution need to be clarified, and checks and balances against ill-considered application of the principle need to be strengthened. A systematic process of ranking hazards and targeting cost-effective protection opportunities should be implemented by the EC as a counterweight to enactment of precautionary measures on a crisis-by-crisis basis.

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$45.09 plus tax Refund Policy

Europe's precautionary principle: promise and pitfalls