The Precautionary Principle

According to Kriebel et al [The Precautionary Principle in Environmental Science], the PP and primary prevention imply the same thing.

True

It is generally agreed by scientists that there is a mass extinction of species under way.

True

One of the criticisms of the PP is that it prevents innovation.

True

One of the reasons for the importance of the PP is that environmental degradation is hard to cure or reverse.

True

The Rio Declaration supports the precautionary approach.

True

The term 'in dubio pro natura' can be used instead of the PP.

True

According to Ambrus (The Precautionary Principle and a Fair Allocation of the Burden of Proof in International Environmental Law), the PP has been used legally in the following terms:

1) As an obligation 2) As a justification 3) As a matter of justice 4) A and B only A and B only

One of the reasons why we use the PP is:

1) Because the environment manifests a complex web of interdependencies 2) Because of feedback mechanisms 3) Because the industry requires it 4) A and B only A and B only

Indirect sources of species extinction include:

1) Dynamic inertia 2) Biotas that are stressed 3) Fragmentation of habitats into small isolated patches 4) All of the above All of the above

Cases used by Kriebel et al [The Precautionary Principle in Environmental Science] to demonstrate the application of the PP include:

1) The use of pesticides in school 2) The use of polyvinyl chloride in toys 3) The use of GMO in food products 4) A and B only A and B only

A central component of the PP is:

1) To take preventive action in the face of uncertainty 2) To shift the burden of proof to the proponent of an activity 3) To explore alternatives to potentially harmful activities 4) To increase public participation 5) All of the above All of the above

According to the Precautionary Principle, precautionary measures should be:

1. Cost effective 2. Non-discriminatory 3. Subject to review 4. All of the above

The components of the Precautionary Principle include:

1. Taking preventive action before scientific certainty of cause and effect 2. Setting goals 3. Seeking out and evaluate alternatives 4. Shifting the burden of proof to the proponents of activity 5. All of the above All of the Above

One criticism of the precautionary approach is that:

1. The PP leads to nowhere 2. The PP is not based on science 3. The PP leads to substitute risks 4. All of the above All of the above

An example of a strong precautionary measure is:

A ban

The Precautionary Principle relies on:

A participatory mechanism

Why is the Precautionary Principle needed?

A. Because of complex interdependencies B. Because of feedback mechanisms C. Because the industry requires it D. A and B only A and B only

Parameter uncertainty refers to:

A. Missing information B. Ambiguous information C. Can be reduced by gathering more information or through better techniques D. All of the above All of the above

Why is a precautionary approach important?

A. To protect human health B. To protect the environment C. To promote unhindered industrial growth D. A and B only A and B only

The rosy periwinkle is known for its use as an:

Anti-Cancer drug

According to Ambrus (The Precautionary Principle and a Fair Allocation of the Burden of Proof in International Environmental Law), the PP now benefits from a clear and concise meaning in international environmental law.

False

In general, the EU is open to receiving GM food exported by the US.

False

According to the Precautionary Principle:

Lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for preventing cost-effective measures for protecting the environment.

Smokescreen uncertainty refers to:

Strategies of those who create risks and have a stake in concealing the effects of a specific substance or activity

The first few opening paragraphs of a treaty is known as:

The Preamble

One example of end-of-pipe technology is:

Treating dye effluents just before discharging in a water body

Within the context of the 'Precautionary Principle', the term 'politically induced uncertainty' refers to attempts to amplify uncertainty by:

The agencies responsible for protecting health or the environment (e.g. the EPA)

The preamble to a treaty refers to:

The first few opening paragraphs of the treaty

Principle 15 of the Rio Declaration defines the PP in the following terms:

Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation