Precautionary principle

The precautionary principle states that potential dangers to the environment or human health should be prevented before they arise. The aim is to use natural resources such as water, soil and air sparingly to preserve them in the long term. When there is limited or uncertain knowledge regarding the nature, potential scale and interrelationships of potential environmental and health hazards, preventive action must be taken, and interventions should be avoided where there is any doubt. The precautionary principle is the guiding principle of environmental policy at the German, EU and international levels, playing a central role in environmental policy decisions.

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