Precautionary Principle

The precautionary principle is a decision-making idea used when an action might harm people or the environment but science is not yet certain how or how much. Instead of waiting for full proof, the principle says it is better to prevent possible damage by acting early or choosing safer options. It is often summarized as “better safe than sorry.” This helps governments and organizations avoid serious or irreversible harm by being cautious even under uncertainty, especially in environmental and public health policies.