ABSTRACT
The adoption of the precautionary principle in a range of environmental policy arenas reflects growing attention to the identification and management of scientific uncertainty. Implicit in most interpretations of the precautionary principle is the recognition that scientific knowledge cannot adequately predict the potential environmental consequences of human activities. On this basis, it is argued, we should act more cautiously, particularly where potential hazards have already been identified, such as the discharge of toxic chemicals into the environment. Scientific uncertainty and its management is now a major consideration for environmental policy.
