Environmental damage, climate change and the precautionary principle from an ethical perspective

Monika, Bobbert (2025) Environmental damage, climate change and the precautionary principle from an ethical perspective. EUROPEAN INTEGRATION STUDIES, 21 (1 spec). pp. 279-299. ISSN 1588-6735

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Abstract

Preventing major damage or a disaster usually requires action before damage occurs, especially if this damage would be irreversible. The precautionary principle is central to environmental and climate issues, but has only recently become more important, for example as one of the four fundamental principles of the European Union. With regard to the precautionary principle, the open flanks and possible areas of dispute that characterise the debates on this principle are shown from an ethical perspective. Firstly, the scope of the precautionary principle has expanded and with it the goods worthy of protection. Secondly, potential risks in many different areas need to be identified or researched - with the help of an interdisciplinary approach. Fourthly, the risks must be assessed in relation to ethical and legal norms. Psychological pitfalls must be avoided in the assessment. Fourthly, precautionary measures must be discussed in terms of their effectiveness and priority in view of other areas of risk.

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