Precautionary Principle In Context Research Articles

The Precautionary Principle in Context: U.S. and E.U. Scientists' Prescriptions for Policy in the Face of Uncertainty*

Objective. Our objective is to explain how scientists interpret less‐than‐certain scientific findings to inform policymakers' choices on controversial science policy issues. We focus on two particularly difficult policy cases concerning global climate change and low‐dose radiation protection.Methods. Our method is to analyze data from a unique multination survey of scientists to analyze the ways their views about what is scientifically correct are translated into judgments about appropriate policy. The surveys asked scientists, randomly drawn from U.S. and E.U. subscribers to the journal Science, to indicate the “most likely” relationships between greenhouse gas emissions and average global temperatures and between radiation dose and incidence of cancer in humans. Follow‐up questions asked for their judgments about appropriate policy targets for reductions in greenhouse gas emission and safety standards for radiation exposure. The data permit analysis of the relationships between scientific certainty and policy judgments in these two cases.Results. Our results shed light on when and how scientists reach precautionary policy conclusions, demonstrating that scientists' application of precaution is dependent on context. In the case of radiation protection, greater certainty is associated with less precaution. But with respect climate change, we found the opposite relationship.Conclusions. We conclude with a discussion of the implications for the role of scientists, and scientific advice, in the policy process.

Precaution without Perversity: A Comprehensive Application of the Precautionary Principle to Genetically Modified Crops

Biotechnology Law ReportVol. 20, No. 3 ArticlesPrecaution without Perversity: A Comprehensive Application of the Precautionary Principle to Genetically Modified CropsIndur M. GoklanyIndur M. GoklanySearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:5 Jul 2004https://doi.org/10.1089/073003101750297212AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB ToolsPermissionsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsAdd to favorites Back To Publication ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsCited byExamining the social acceptance of genetically modified bioenergy in Germany: Labels, information valence, corporate actors, and consumer decisionsEnergy Research & Social Science, Vol. 60Judicious management of uncertain risks: I. Developments and criticisms of risk analysis and precautionary reasoningJournal of Risk Research, Vol. 13, No. 4The Precautionary Principle in Context: U.S. and E.U. Scientists' Prescriptions for Policy in the Face of UncertaintySocial Science Quarterly, Vol. 88, No. 3Risk analysis for plant-made vaccinesTransgenic Research, Vol. 14, No. 4 Volume 20Issue 3Jun 2001 To cite this article:Indur M. Goklany.Precaution without Perversity: A Comprehensive Application of the Precautionary Principle to Genetically Modified Crops.Biotechnology Law Report.Jun 2001.377-396.http://doi.org/10.1089/073003101750297212Published in Volume: 20 Issue 3: July 5, 2004PDF download