In today’s environment of rapid scientific research and technological development, different ways to apply new knowledge and innovations are constantly being engendered that present us with ever more possibilities and challenges. We stand to benefit from the greater range of options this progress brings. However, with more choice also comes more responsibility. Conscious of our roles as stewards of the world in which we live, notably on behalf of future generations, we must therefore take care in exercising these options.
This need to proceed in an ethical manner is expressed in debates concerning the precautionary principle. Although the concept of precaution is not a new one, understanding of the precautionary principle has, with time, come to mean different things to different people and application of the precautionary principle has proven controversial on occasion.
Born of environmental considerations, the precautionary principle has since matured into an ethical principle with a far broader scope and the potential value of the precautionary principle as a policy guide should be envisaged.