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(53-01) First proposal on SETAC position paper on the Precautionary Principle and Science. Sanderson, Hans*,1, Ravetz, Jerry2, 1 RUC, Inst. IV, House 11.2, PO-box 260, Roskilde, Roskilde2 106 Defoe House, London, England ABSTRACT- It is evident that the precautionary principle (PP) is gaining influence on the environmental policy-making process, due to public and political pressure in light of the increasing complexity of science and environmental problems. The PP involves decision-making in the absence of full scientific certainty. The challenge for SETAC is to participate in finding an acceptable substitute for "full scientific certainty" (science is never fully certain - then it would cease being science). This presentation addresses possible short-term techniques of defining science that is 'robust' (technically and socially) by implementation of statistical test systems. These will be of both the Power and Probabilistic sorts. Crucial to these are the specification of acceptability of risks of Type I & II error, including both likelihood and error costs. Furthermore, we propose on the longer epistemic term careful consideration of the post-normal science paradigm, where it is required to reconsider scientific objectivity. This requires a full and public awareness of the inherent uncertainties and value loadings (as in statistical errors, and also choice of PP) in all items of scientific information. There is a need for more research into deficiencies in the management of uncertainty, by scientists and policy makers, not neglecting the different sorts of uncertainty and of ignorance itself. The aim of the presentation, and white paper is to promote considerations of how to integrate robust science and PP in the practice of SETAC members. The conclusions presented are based on an interdisciplinary analysis with participation from industry and academia. Key words: Position paper, Power analysis , Post-normal science |
