The Legal and Judicial Foundations of the Precautionary Principle in International Environmental Law: A Study of the Legislative Framework and International Policies

Abstract

One of the most important tenets supporting modern environmental law is the precautionary principle. It seeks to avoid unanticipated hazards that might result in permanent harm to the environment. According to this concept, delaying preventive actions should never be justified by a lack of scientific assurance. It is exactly this recognition of scientific uncertainty that sets the cautious principle apart from the preventative principle. Therefore, by examining several international accords that have established the precautionary principle, this research aims to investigate the legal importance of this concept within the context of international environmental law. Additionally, the study seeks to assess relevant international judicial precedents concerning environmental protection, human life, living organisms, and the conservation of natural resources, particularly those that incorporate the precautionary principle in their rulings.