A 'precautionary approach' also displays a series of key characteristics. It acknowledges the complexity and variability of the real world and embodies a certain humility about scientific knowledge. It implies recognition of the vulnerability of the natural environment and prioritizes the rights of those who stand to be affected. It requires scrutiny of all available alternatives and an examination of justifications and benefits as well as risks and costs. In short, a precautionary approach involves the adoption of long-term, holistic and inclusive perspectives in environmental protection.
Science provides some essential disciplinary rigor.
Precaution is about 'broadening out' the regulatory process to include a wider range of issues, options, criteria, possibilities and perspectives. The precautionary approach recognises this. Those calling for reliance on 'sound science' do not. Ironically, to miss this essential point is to be thoroughly unscientific about the limits to science. References Dr. Stirling was the co-ordinator of a study on science and precaution in the management of technological risk conducted with Andreas Klinke, Ortwin Renn, Arie Rip and Ahti Salo for the Forward Studies Unit of the European Commission.