Definition of Precautionary Principle

Most of the scientific community affirms that the sustainability of the planet is seriously threatened. The industrial processes associated with the use of natural resources are accompanied by an evident deterioration of the environment.

At the "Earth Summit" promoted by the UN and held in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro in 1992, the precautionary principle was agreed. According to it, if there is a threat obvious or irreversible damage that threatens the environment environment, the absence of scientific evidence cannot represent an obstacle to postpone measures that prevent deterioration and environmental degradation.

Consequently, the precautionary principle requires the cancellation of all activities that involve a threat to the environment, even in cases where scientific evidence was not conclusive.

A fundamental section on the international agenda

Scientists know much of the harmful effects, but science sometimes does not have the necessary explanations. For this

reason, it is convenient to adopt precautionary measures with which it is possible to act in favor of the planet.

A principle that represents a call to the responsibility of the whole of society

The precautionary principle is not simply a specific section of an international summit, but constitutes a message that reminds us of what the role of society should be in combating threats that put in danger the sustainability of the planet.

In this sense, we all have to prevent the possible harmful effects of our actions. So, before using a new technology or a novel chemical process, all individuals have the responsibility to examine other possible alternatives, including the alternative of not acting.

This precautionary principle tries to prevent scientific limitations from becoming alibis for environmental inaction.

The problem of scientific uncertainty

Scientific activity must be oriented in the search for evidence and certainties. However, this goal is not always achieved. Uncertainties regarding the sustainability of the planet should not lead to passive attitudes.

The precautionary principle is intended to be a brake in extremely serious situations. Thus, if human action causes obvious deterioration in the environment, do not wait for there is scientific research that demonstrates the causal relationship between the action and the damage caused.

If something causes obvious and irreversible damage to health (for example, the use of asbestos in the building), it does not seem reasonable to say that asbestos should not be banned because the causal relationships between this material and cancer or other diseases are still unknown.

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