Environmental risk and the precautionary principle. “Late lessons from early warnings” applied to genetically modified plants
Working paper
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http://hdl.handle.net/11250/180903Utgivelsesdato
2004Metadata
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- Discussion Papers [1003]
Sammendrag
Abstract:
The environmental risk associated with genetically modified organisms (GMO) implies that new
approaches to risk assessment, risk management and risk communication are needed. In this paper
we discuss the role of the precautionary principle in policy responses to GMO risk. We first discuss
application of the criteria in the European Environment Agency report “Late lessons from early
warnings: The precautionary principle 1896-2000” to environmental GMO risk, with focus on crop
plants. Moreover, we discuss Bayesian analysis in the context of improving the informational basis
for decision making under uncertainty. Finally, environmental uncertainties are intertwined with
economic uncertainties. Providing incentives for improved risk assessment, risk management and
risk communication is crucial for enhancing social and environmental responsibility and thereby
facilitate implementation of precautionary approaches. We discuss ethical screening of companies as
an example of how such incentives can be provided.