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The precautionary principle versus risk analysis.

Chauncey Starr1

  • 1Electric Power Research Institute, PO Box 10412, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA. cstarr@epri.com

Risk Analysis : an Official Publication of the Society for Risk Analysis
|March 15, 2003
PubMed
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Precautionary behavior offers initial safety but delays rational assessment. Policy decisions require comparative benefit/cost/risk analysis for effective governance.

Area of Science:

  • Behavioral Science
  • Public Policy Analysis

Background:

  • Precautionary behavior is a natural initial response to novel situations, providing a temporary retreat for assessment.
  • This initial caution can be prolonged by bureaucratic delays or resistance to change, hindering timely decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the role and limitations of precautionary behavior in responding to new events.
  • To highlight the necessity of transitioning from precautionary responses to rational decision-making frameworks.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of behavioral responses and policy-making processes.
  • Examination of the interplay between uncertainty, risk assessment, and governance.

Main Results:

  • Precautionary behavior, while protective, can impede objective evaluation and delay necessary actions.

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  • Governmental processes and status quo concerns often obstruct the rational assessment of new situations.
  • Public reassurance is slow to counteract initial uncertainty.

    • Conclusions:

    • Precautionary behavior is a temporary measure, not a sustainable governing principle.
    • Effective policy requires a shift towards rational decision-making based on comparative benefit/cost/risk analysis.
    • Early risk analyses, despite inherent uncertainties, are crucial for informed policy and require expert judgment.