A 1998 consensus statement characterized the precautionary principle this way: "when
an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary
measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully
established scientifically". The statement went on to list four central components
of the principle: taking preventive action in the face of uncertainty; shifting
the burden of proof to the proponents of an activity; exploring a wide range of
alternatives to possibly harmful actions; and increasing public participation in
decision making.
The term "precautionary principle" came into English as a translation
of the German word Vorsorgeprinzip. An alternative translation might have been "foresight
principle," which has the advantage of emphasizing anticipatory action--a positive,
active idea rather than precaution, which to many sounds reactive and even negative.
Although the principle has its roots in German environmental policy, over the past
20 years it has served as a central element in international environmental treaties
addressing North Sea pollution, ozone-depleting chemicals, fisheries, climate change,
and sustainable development. Precaution is one of the guiding principles of environmental
laws in the European Union.
