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Principles for Ecologically Sustainable Management
Quick questions on Principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development - TCE Environmental Science (Tasmania)
2short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is the precautionary principle?Show answer
The precautionary principle addresses how to act when science is uncertain. It states that where there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental harm, a lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason to postpone measures to prevent that harm. In other words, when the stakes are high and the science is incomplete, decision-makers should err on the side of caution rather than wait for proof of damage that may by then be impossible to reverse. This principle is often applied to decisions about pollution, fisheries and the approval of new developments where outcomes are hard to predict.
What is applying the principles to a Tasmanian decision?Show answer
These principles are most powerful when applied to a real choice. Consider a proposal to expand salmon aquaculture in a sensitive Tasmanian waterway. The precautionary principle would argue for caution and strong monitoring where the effects on the seafloor and water quality are uncertain. Intergenerational equity would ask whether the waterway will still be healthy and productive for future Tasmanians.
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