19Precautionary principle

19 Precautionary principle (1) The precautionary principle means that if there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation. (2) The precautionary principle includes— (a) a careful evaluation to avoid serious or irreversible damage to the environment wherever practicable; and (b) an assessment of the risk-weighted consequences of various options.