When there is inconclusive scientific evidence regarding public hazards, it’s hard to set a consensus policy with governmental tools. The precautionary principle is designed to assist with these kinds of situations, best described as “Policies under uncertainty”. Better safe than sorry is the slogan usually heard in these cases. Therefore regulatory intervention is legitimate, even if the supporting evidence is incomplete and the economic consequences are high.
The precautionary principle is a core principle in different EU regulations, unlike in the USA and Asia. Several areas of technology, such as gene editing, nanotechnology and climate geoengineering are being delayed in the EU for having uncertain risks for humans and the environment. For example, Europe is way behind the USA and Asia in developing genetically modified crops because certification in Europe is almost impossibly difficult. The precautionary principle, more often than not, used in the EU as a barrier to scientific and technological innovation, causing an economic loss for EU members.
The unbalanced policy was well described by former U.K. Environment Secretary Owen Paterson at the start of the month: “The EU has single-mindedly pursued an overly prescriptive interpretation of the “Precautionary Principle,” smothering opportunities for innovation in thrall to the emotions of vocal activists rather than scientific evidence and advice. The green blob dominates thinking in Brussels, with generous grants given to green groups so that they will lobby it for regulations which then require large budgets to enforce.”
In the last year we can see increasing signs of change. The European Risk Forum and the European Round Table of Industrialists are promoting a policy called the “Innovation Principle”. The new policy is calling to examine every new policy or plan for the impact it could have on innovation. If the plan prevents innovation rethinking is required. The two principles should be used alongside one another, recognizing the need to protect society and the environment while simultaneously protecting Europe’s ability to innovate.
No doubt green party groups and activists will oppose the effort to balance the last twenty years. If Europe wants to take part in the new game called innovation – it must shift gears.