ABSTRACT
In some cases there are relatively simple and obvious connections between actions and effects. With many environmental issues, however, action and effect may be widely separated in space or time. For example, decisions made in the UK today may have effects over the next century, or in another part of the planet. This introduces an important element of uncertainty. In such cases, it may be considered appropriate to act without what would normally be considered to be adequate evidence, as it may be impossible to obtain such evidence. It could also mean that those affected, such as a future generation, a less-developed nation or a relatively powerless group in society, would have little or no means of retribution or redress. Such factors therefore require guidelines for behaviour that are not purely objective or utilitarian. If a given generation accepts certain constraints on its use of resources, or if a powerful nation accepts certain responsibilities to some much weaker nation (to ameliorate some environmental impact, for example), then it is likely that these will in part be guided by some principle of responsibility. This means that it is important to consider such cultural factors as ethics and values.
