Precautionary principle

The Green Book, Central Government Guidance On Appraisal And Evaluation, Published by HM Treasury in 2018, suggests the precautionary principle: ‘…refers to the concept that where the potential consequences of a perceived risk are significantly adverse, action may still be justified even if the probability of occurrence is low.’

Culvert, screen and outfall manual, (CIRIA C786) published by CIRIA in 2019, suggests the precautionary principle (or precautionary approach): ‘…enables decision-makers to adopt precautionary measures when scientific evidence about an environmental or human health hazard is uncertain and the stakes are high.’

Environmental Impact Assessment Handbook, Guidance for competent authorities, consultation bodies, and others involved in the Environmental Impact Assessment process in Scotland, published by Historic Environment Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage in 2018, states: ‘The precautionary principle is detailed in Article 191 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. It aims at ensuring a higher level of environmental protection through preventative decision-taking in the case of risk. However, in practice, the scope of this principle is far wider and also covers consumer policy, European Union (EU) legislation concerning food and human, animal and plant health.’

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