The precautionary principle has become an important concept recognized by international environmental law and increasingly proclaimed by national legislation of countries around the world. It can be invoked to take measures where there is a threat of irreversible damage even if a complete evaluation of the risk is not possible. The EU Treaty refers to the precautionary principle and a special Communication was issued by the EU Commission explaining where and how it should be applied.
This article looks into (a) the key elements of the precautionary principle and (b) Israeli legislation transposing the principle in the domestic legal system.