precautionary principle

British  

noun

1. the precept that an action should not be taken if the consequences are uncertain and potentially dangerous

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Example Sentences

Even if we can’t be sure something is conscious, we might err on the side of caution by assuming it is – what philosopher Jonathan Birch calls the precautionary principle for sentience.

From Science Daily • Jun. 5, 2026

In his view, the precautionary principle calls for having compelling evidence that a solution to a problem is cost effective and not environmentally harmful—a standard he thinks Malusog Rice meets.

From Science Magazine • May 2, 2024

The 27 schools, which the organising authority decided to close "in strict compliance with the precautionary principle", are being inspected by the police with further information expected throughout the day.

From Reuters • Nov. 27, 2023

These are integrating environmental protection into policy-making; using the precautionary principle; taking action to prevent environmental damage; prioritising rectifying it at source where it does occur; and the principle that the polluter pays.

From BBC • Jul. 21, 2023

It shall be based on the precautionary principle and on the principles that preventative action should be taken, that environmental damage should as a priority be rectified at source and that the polluter should pay.

From The Treaty of the European Union, Maastricht Treaty, 7th February, 1992 by European Union