Interpreting the Precautionary Principle

Viewed from the perspective of environmental management, this study describes the implications and applications of the precautionary principle - a theory of avoiding risk even when its likelihood seems remote. This principle has been employed in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the North Atlantic Convention, yet it is not widely understood. This study examines the history and context of the principle, and its applications to law, governmental policies, business and investment, scientific research and international relations.

Leading experts analyze the fundamental concept and implications of the Precautionary Principle, on which environmental legislation and international conventions increasingly rely.

Timothy O'Riordan is Professor of Environmental Studies at the University of East Anglia.