Environmental risk and the precautionary principle. "Late lessons from early warnings" applied to genetically modified plants

Abstract

Abstract:\nThe environmental risk associated with genetically modified organisms (GMO) implies that new\napproaches to risk assessment, risk management and risk communication are needed. In this paper\nwe discuss the role of the precautionary principle in policy responses to GMO risk. We first discuss\napplication of the criteria in the European Environment Agency report “Late lessons from early\nwarnings: The precautionary principle 1896-2000” to environmental GMO risk, with focus on crop\nplants. Moreover, we discuss Bayesian analysis in the context of improving the informational basis\nfor decision making under uncertainty. Finally, environmental uncertainties are intertwined with\neconomic uncertainties. Providing incentives for improved risk assessment, risk management and\nrisk communication is crucial for enhancing social and environmental responsibility and thereby\nfacilitate implementation of precautionary approaches. We discuss ethical screening of companies as\nan example of how such incentives can be provided.