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The precautionary principle and international law: the challenge of implementation David Freestone, Ellen Hey 0 Resenhas Kluwer Law International, 1996 - 274 páginas The precautionary concept has become intrinsic to international environmental policy, especially with the adoption, in 1992, of the Rio Declaration at UNCED. Principle 15 of that Declaration provides that:'In order to protect the environment, the precautionary approach shall be widely applied by States according to their capabilities. Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation. 'The challenge facing the international community is how to attain truly precautionary environmental policies. This challenge is one of changing perceptions as much as of changing institutions or technical mechanisms. It is a challenge to our way of viewing the world as much as to our views of the role of science, or the burden of proof. It also raises a question as to the role of legal and other regulatory instruments in implementing the precautionary principle. This question, however, lends itself to a multifaceted and multidisciplinary approach. It is in this context that the book develops a thematic rather than a sectoral (water, air, biodiversity, etc.) view of the topic and places the challenges faced by international law in a wider context.After an introduction to the origins and development of the precautionary principle, twelve chapters explore a selection of themes relevant to the implementation of the principle. Where the relationship between international, national and local policies is concerned, a new concept is introduced: glocalization . The book concludes with a synthesis of the opportunities for and constraints on the implementation of the precautionary principle, as identified by the various authors.

Implementing the precautionary principle: perspectives and prospects Elizabeth Charlotte Fisher, Judith S. Jones, René von Schomberg 0 Resenhas Edward Elgar Publishing, 2006 - 336 páginas This challenging book takes a broad and thought-provoking look at the precautionary principle and its implementation, or potential implementation, in a number of fields. It first considers the challenges faced by public decision-making processes when applying the precautionary principle, including its role in risk management and risk assessment. Frameworks for improved decision-making are considered followed by a detailed analysis of prospective applications of the precautionary principle in a number of emerging fields, including nanotechnology, climate change, natural resource management and public health policy. The analysis is both coherent and interdisciplinary, employing perspectives from law, the social sciences and public policy with a view on improving both the democratic legitmacy and effectiveness of public policy at national and international levels.

"Transparency is not only in the public interest, it is part of the scientific process. We want to make sure that independent scientists, engineers and other experts have every opportunity to review this information and make their own conclusions." -Secretary Chu As part of the Obama Administration's ongoing commitment to transparency surrounding the response to the BP oil spill, the Department of Energy is providing online access to schematics, pressure tests, diagnostic results and other data about the malfunctioning blowout preventer. Secretary Chu insisted on making the data widely available to ensure the public is as informed as possible, and to ensure that outside experts making recommendations have access to the same information that BP and the government have. This site is updated regularly with new data and additional documentation. Latest Information July 9th Combined Total Amount of Oil and Gas Recovered Daily from the Top Hat and Choke Line oil recovery systems. (.xls) (.ods) Visual Breakout of the Cummulative Barrels of Oil Recovered by the LMRP Cap and Q4000. Oil and Gas Flow Data from the Top Hat and from the Choke Line (.xls) (.ods) July 1st Key Events Timeline (.ppt) - This document lists key events beginning with the April 20 fire on the Deepwater Horizon through June 30th. Data Summary from Deepwater Horizon The following documents are a collection of data from operations to control flow from the Deepwater Horizon well. All information was provided directly by BP. The file names have been preserved in order to maintain a traceable record of where each file came from in the BP tracking system and whenever possible, we have worked to ensure that the contents are data readable. Description of System This page gives a general overview of the well, the blow out preventer, the lower marine reservoir package and the riser configuration as best known after the April 20 fire on the Deepwater Horizon. Well Configuration (.pdf)- showing the dept

Abstract As a reaction to flooding events, various governments in Europe addressed the need to create more physical space for water. Experiences in the Netherlands have shown, however, that the development and implementation of these measures can result in local opposition. Based on an examination of such conflicts, it is argued that spatial planning should not only be regarded as an instrument for regulating the land required for flood reduction, but also as an important substantive perspective through which participation can be facilitated and through which water management objectives can be balanced with other spatial claims on the landscape.

The precautionary principle in the law of the sea: modern decision making in international law Simon Marr 1 Resenha Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, 2003 - 253 páginas The content and status of the precautionary principle remains highly debated and various questions arise, such as its status as a rule of customary international law, including its scope, addressee, triggering threshold, precautionary action measures, and eventually limits of the principle. Thus, this book examines the present state of affairs regarding the implementation of the principle in the law of the sea in different sectors, e.g. pollution of the marine environment, conservation and management of living marine resources, and transboundary transports of radioactive and hazardous wastes. In addition, it extracts evidence of its acceptance as part of customary international law, and indicates that below this level there is also an emerging practice of international law of applying the precautionary principle in a common way.

Precautionary tools for reshaping environmental policy Nancy J. Myers, Carolyn Raffensperger 0 Resenhas MIT Press, 2006 - 339 páginas The precautionary principle calls for taking action against threatened harm to people and ecosystems even in the absence of full scientific certainty. The rationale is that modern technologies and human activities can inflict long-term, global-scale environmental damage and that conclusive scientific evidence of such damage may be available too late to avert it. The precautionary principle asks whether harm can be prevented instead of assessing degrees of "acceptable" risk. This book provides a toolkit for applying precautionary concepts to reshape environmental policies at all levels. Its compendium of regulatory options, detailed examples, wide-ranging case studies, and theoretical background provides both citizens and policymakers with the basis for acting on any issue in any situation-whether it's pesticide use at local schools or a new international regulatory system for chemicals. Precautionary Tools for Reshaping Environmental Policy describes the analytical and ethical bases of the precautionary principle as well as practical options for implementing it. It provides a "precautionary checklist" that can serve as a springboard for discussion and decisions. And it offers a variety of case studies that show the precautionary principle in action-from elk and cattle farming to marine fisheries, from the protection of indigenous cultures against bioprospecting to the restoration of the federal court system as a safety net for people harmed by products and chemicals. A hands-on interdisciplinary guide, the book demonstrates the advantages of a precautionary approach and addresses criticisms that have been leveled against it. For updates and more information on the precautionary principle at work, visit www.sehn.org/precaution.html by clicking on the link to the left.

Precaution, environmental science, and preventive public policy Joel A. Tickner 0 Resenhas Island Press, 2003 - 406 páginas The "precautionary principle"-the idea that society should guard against potentially harmful activities even if some cause and effect relationships have not been fully established-has often been attacked for being unscientific. However leading scientists studying the issue have begun to make the case that the precautionary principle is in fact science based, and that it creates a need for more rigorous and transparent science in examining complex and uncertain environmental risks.Precaution, Environmental Science, and Preventive Public Policy is the first book to explore the role of science in developing a more precautionary approach to environmental and public health policy. The book brings together leading scientists, legal experts, philosophers, environmental health professionals, and environmentalists to offer a multi-disciplinary perspective on the controversial debate over science and precaution. The book:discusses the critical need for science in promoting sustainabilityoutlines the ethical imperative of a more precautionary science and the philosophical foundations of that new approachconsiders some of the ways in which the current conduct of environmental science works against precautionary policiesexamines how the role and use of science differs across cultures and political systemsprovides the components of an approach to environmental science that more effectively supports precautionary decisionsThe book also offers case studies that consider various types of uncertainty and sets forth a framework for evaluating and addressing uncertainty in decision-making.Contributors include Juan Almendares, Katherine Barrett, Kamaljit Bawa, Finn Bro-Rasmussen, Donald Brown, Theofanis Christoforou, Terry Collins, Barry Commoner, Carl Cranor, Stephen Dovers, David Gee, Elizabeth Guillette, Cato ten Hallers-Tjabbes, James Huff, Matthias Kais

Principles of emergency planning and management David E. Alexander 0 Resenhas Oxford University Press US, 2002 - 340 páginas As interest in planning for emergencies and disasters burgeons, and educational and training programs proliferate, Principles of emergency planning and management is the first book to meet the need for a concise yet comprehensive and systematic primer on how to prepare for a disaster. Providing readers with a comprehensive, systematic, yet concise introduction to effective preparation for disasters, it provides a unified starting point encompassing the scattered and parochial literature in this nascent field of academic enquiry and practical endeavor. The book provides a general introduction to the methods, procedures, protocols and strategies of emergency planning, with emphasis on situations in industrialized countries and the local level of organization (i.e. cities, municipalities, metropolitan areas and small regions), though with ample reference to national and international levels. Rather than concentrating on the practices of any one country or state, the author focuses on general principles. Principles of emergency planning and management is designed to be a reference source and manual from which emergency managers can extract ideas, suggestions and pro-forma methodologies to help them design and implement emergency plans. A comprehensive all-hazards approach is adopted, with frequent reference to the most important individual hazards and the planning and management needs that they create. Twelve examples of actual emergency planning and management problems are analyzed in detail. Principles of emergency planning and management is written especially for the new generation of emergency planners and managers that is emerging as a result of intensified governmental interest in disaster preparedness. Many of them will occupy positions in government or other organizations that require emergency plans. The book will also be of value to

Coping with Drought Risk in Agriculture and Water Supply: Drought Management Guidelines for the Mediterranean Ana Iglesias, Luis Garrote, Antonio Cancelliere 0 Resenhas Springer, 2009 - 320 páginas Today drought causes severe social problems and receives broad attention from the international scientific and policy communities. Drought management in the Mediterranean region exemplifies many other drought-prone regions with rapidly expanding populations that are placing increased pressure on already limited water supplies. The experiences in the development and implementation of drought management plans in the Mediterranean highlight the success and challenges of coping with drought for societies with different vulnerabilities. Based on these experiences and the current methods for evaluating risk, the book synthesises guidelines for drought management that can be applied to other regions. Coping with Drought Risk in Agriculture and Water Supply Systems addresses the growing issue of drought preparedness planning, monitoring, and mitigation which has worldwide application. The book collates considerable information from diverse disciplines. The information is presented to appeal to a broad scientific and policy audience seeking to develop proactive drought management plans effective for decreasing social vulnerability

From disaster response to risk management: Australia's national drought policy Linda Courtenay Botterill, Donald A. Wilhite 0 Resenhas Springer, 2005 - 209 páginas In 1992 Australia's Commonwealth and State governments announced the introduction of a National Drought Policy adopting an innovative risk management approach, which received broad support from Australia's major political parties and the policy community.This trail-blazing attempt and the experiences with the development and implementation of this policy over the past decade have intrigued the international scientific and policy communities. The present book comprises an academically focused collection of papers, which the Editors hope will provide others moving in a similar direction with the benefit of experience. The work highlights the successes and challenges of a move from disaster to risk management in responding to drought.As such it will be a valuable and useful addition to the international literature on drought preparedness and response

Silting Problems in Hydro Power Plants: Proceedings of the First International Conference, New Delhi, India, 13-15th October 1999 C.V.J. Varma 0 Resenhas Taylor & Francis, 2000 - 356 páginas The 33 papers focus primarily but not exclusively on the Indian subcontinent, through which passes nearly a third of all the earth carried by rivers and streams to the sea. Their concern is with design, operation, and maintenance approaches to preventing or mitigating the filling of reservoirs and damaging turbines and other equipment used in hydro-electric plants. Plenary papers discuss the Indian scenario, environmental and economic aspects, and reducing silt by implementing ISO 14000 for hilly projects. The technical sessions cover reservoir sedimentation, desilting and its economic optimization, damage mechanisms and their analysis, design criteria, and material technology. There is no index.

Natural disasters and sustainable development Riccardo Casale, Claudio Margottini 0 Resenhas Springer, 2004 - 397 páginas nbsp;Natural disasters are a clear example of people living in conflict with the environment. Disasters cause human, social and environmental losses and, sometimes, even threaten geopolitical stability, as in many less developed countries. They are also a problem of global concern, even when damage is local: the mechanisms are often dependent on global meteoro-climatic circulation. Losses frequently affect severalnbsp; countries, as could be seen in the floods in central Europe in 2002. It is obvious that there is a clear need for a new approach, capable of incorporating the prevention of natural disasters, whilst mitigating strategies within the cycle of sustainable development. There are no thematic disciplines or political boundaries limitating initiatives: the integration of data providers, data users/information providers and information users,nbsp;in a global and holistic manner, is the desired outcome of the new frontier. This book falls into this new category: multidisciplinary interventions and socio-economic point of views are the basic inputs for a changing science, implementing sustainable development for the benefit of citizens and society. It is comprised of studies and investigations which explain natural processes and modelling, as well as assessing hazards and risks and is rounded of with suggestions for sustainable development. Thus reflecting the best results of research on this topic funded by the European Commission. « Menos

Global Risk Governance: Concept and Practice Using the IRGC Framework Ortwin Renn, K. Walker 0 Resenhas Springer, 2007 - 367 páginas The establishment of the international risk governance council (IRGC) was the direct result of widespread concern within the public sector, the corporate world, academia, and society at large that the complexity and interdependence of health, environmental, and technological risks facing the world was making the development and implementation of adequate risk governance strategies ever more difficult. IRGC set out to conduct a thorough examination of the fundamental principles and structures that guide the way emerging risks and issues are identified, assessed, managed, and communicated. From this process, a framework for risk governance was developed and proposed, which forms part I of this volume. This IRGC framework was then subjected to rigorous peer review and comments from other experts and the public at large were invited; these comments make up part II of the volume. The framework was also tested by applying it in a series of diverse, international case studies on such diverse topics as genetically modified crops, acrylamide in food in Germany, construction of the Nagara River Estuary Barrage in Japan, energy security in the Baltic, and nanotechnology, among others. This constitutes part III of the work. The last part of the book, part IV, consolidates the lessons learned, and proposes a path forward that, it is hoped, will lead to better management of global risks.

Global warming, natural hazards, and emergency management Jane A. Bullock, George D. Haddow, Kim Haddow 0 Resenhas CRC Press, 2008 - 282 páginas Due to the damage caused by global warming, scientists predict that the frequency and severity of weather-related disaster events will increase dramatically. This book provides a clear procedural roadmap for emergency managers, policy makers, and community officials, demonstrating how to reduce the impacts of future disaster events intensified by the effects of global warming. Case studies describe past and present real-world experiences in community-based hazard mitigation and illustrate how efforts should be designed and implemented. The authors explain in detail how to develop community partnerships that include all stakeholders and identify staffing and resource requirements for successful programs.

Comparing environmental risks: tools for setting government priorities J. Clarence Davies 0 Resenhas Resources for the Future, 1996 - 157 páginas The budgetary squeeze occurring at all levels of government in the 1990s has made it obvious that the nation cannot address every existing and prospective environmental problem. Criticism of current programs focuses especially on the low levels of risk posed by many of the problems being subjected to regulation while more important problems may go unaddressed. Comparative risk assessment is increasingly advanced as the appropriate means for setting realistic priorities. Comparing Environmental Risks: Tools for Setting Government Priorities illuminates the increased efforts of the executive branch of the federal government to use risk assessment in its decisionmaking. While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pioneered the use of comparative risk assessment (CRA) in its programs and routinely uses risk assessments of individual pollutants, the agency has not made use of CRA throughout the full range of its activities. Nor has any other federal agency. The President's Office of Science and Technology Policy has sought the assistance of Resources for the Future in formulating methods to make broader use of CRA throughout the executive branch. RFF's Center for Risk Management commissioned background papers from leading experts on CRA for presentation at a meeting with federal regulatory officials in February 1994. Comparing Environmental Risks presents the papers of this workshop, revised to include input from the meeting. The book outlines the evolution of CRA and its surrounding controversy, summarizes lessons learned from past efforts at implementation, and identifies new ways for using CRA. Representing the state of the art on programmatic CRA, the methodological analyses andpractical recommendations contained in Comparing Environmental Risks will be invaluable to all public officials and other analysts faced with

Assessment and management of environmental risks: cost-efficient methods and applications Igor Linkov, José Palma-Oliveira 0 Resenhas Springer, 2001 - 440 páginas The management of environmental contamination requires decision makers to weigh existing risks against the potential effects of implementing environmental policies, considering both the benefits and disruptions that may result from different courses of action. The present book represents an major advance in the development and application of cost-efficient methods of risk assessment, especially under circumstances of budget constraints and in developing countries. The book explores the potential of risk assessment to act as a unified and unifying technique for addressing a wide range of environmental problems. A wide range of issues are discussed, ranging from specific and local studies through global decision and management frameworks. The approaches developed range from specific methods through widely applied public policies. The book shows that the use of risk assessment can provide the scientific basis for environmentally sound, cost-effective policies, strategies and solutions to our environmental challenges.

Global strategies of clean environment, safe earth, disaster management, sustainable development and quality life: national and international obligations and priorities N. P. Rao 0 Resenhas Atlantic Publishers & Distributors, 1998 - 320 páginas The Efforts Made At The International Level By The United Nations Agencies On Environ¬Mental Destination Problems And Saving The Earth From The Natural And Man-Made Disasters Are Well-Known. Besides, The Proclamation Of The International Decade For Natural Disaster Reduction And Appoint¬Ing Inter-Governmental Panels On Climatic Change, Etc., Show That All Are Concerned With The Safety Of Environment And Earth And Are Seized With The Attendant Problems Discussed Herein And Incorporated In Agenda-21 As Action Programme For Implementation By All Concerned.At The National Level Agencies Such As The Central And The State Pollution Control Boards And Other Ngos Are Involved In Pollution Abatement Programmes. Already The Global Warming Has Led To Rise In Atmospheric Temperatures. So, The Battle Is Already On At The National And International Level To Ensure Clean Environment And Safe Earth For Sustained Development And Better And Healthier Quality Of Life. At A Time When We Are Fighting Against These Problems At A Global Level, We Are Confronted At The Domestic Level With Such Calamities As The Latur Earthquake, And The East Coastal Cyclones, Typhoons, Hurricanes, Blizzards Causing Loss Of Life And Property Resulting In Untold Sufferings Mentioned In This Book.The Object Of This Book Is To Focus Attention Of All Governmental And Non-Governmental Agencies Both At The National And Inter¬National Level (Including Un, World Bank, Undp, Uncef Etc.), And At The Local Level (The Pollution Control Boards, Urban Plan¬Ning Authorities, Municipal, Industries, Health, Welfare And Safety Departments), On The Importance Of The Problems Discussed In This Book, Which Is Intended For Them. The Book Is Timely And Topical. « Menos

The Perfect Spill: Solutions for Averting the Next Deepwater Horizon By Robert Costanza, David Batker, John Day, Rusty Feagin, M. Luisa Martinez, Joe Roman National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) f we refuse to take into account the full cost of our fossil fuel addiction-if we don't factor in the environmental costs and national security costs and true economic costs-we will have missed our best chance to seize a clean energy future." -President Barack Obama, Carnegie Mellon University, June 2, 2010 he continuing oil spill from the Deepwater Horizon is causing enormous economic and ecological damage. Estimates of the size and duration continue to escalate, but it is now the largest in U.S. history and clearly among the largest oil spills on record.1 s efforts to plug the leak and clean up the damages continue, it is not too soon to begin to draw lessons from this disaster. We need to learn from this experience so we can prevent future oil spills, reevaluate society's current trajectory, and set a better course. ne major lesson is that our natural capital assets and other public goods are far too valuable to continue to put them at such high risk from private interests. We need better (not necessarily more) regulation and strong incentives to protect these assets against actions that put them at risk. While the Obama administration's demand for a trust fund to compensate injured parties is appropriate, it arrived only after the fact. Common asset trusts and new financial instruments like assurance bonds would be better able to shift risk incentives and prevent disasters like the Deepwater Horizon. The Costs: Damages to Natural Capital Assets he spill has directly and indirectly affected at least 20 categories of valuable ecosystem services in and around the Gulf of Mexico. The $2.5 billion per year Louisiana commercial fishery has been almost completely shut down. As the oil extends to popular Gulf Coast beaches, the loss of tourism

Broadmoor Project: New OrleansThe Broadmoor Project: New Orleans Recovery is an effort initiated in 2006 to assist residents of New Orleans' hard-hit Broadmoor neighborhood in designing and implementing a strategy for post-Katrina neighborhood recovery. Launched and hosted by the Belfer Center, the project enables Kennedy School students to put their governance skills into action to help bring back one of America's great cities. The collaboration also creates the opportunity for local New Orleans leaders to build their leadership skills through intensive leadership courses at the Kennedy School. 

The provision of food is undergoing radical transformations throughout the global community. Peter Oosterveer argues that, as a consequence, conventional national governmental regulations can no longer adequately respond to existing and emerging food risks and to environmental concerns. This book examines these challenges. Translating recent innovative thinking in the social sciences - as seen in the work of Manuel Castells and John Urry amongst others - to the world of food, this book reviews the challenges facing global food governance and the innovative regulatory arrangements that are being introduced by different governments, NGOs and private companies. The analysis includes case-studies on the European BSE crisis, GM-food regulation, salmon and shrimp farming and food labelling. The author highlights how contemporary governance arrangements also have to acknowledge increasing consumer demand for food produced with care for the environment, animal welfare and social justice. Developing and implementing adequate global food governance arrangements therefore demands the active involvement of private firms, consumers, and civil society organisations with national governments. Peter Oosterveer's book will appeal to scholars - postgraduate and above - involved in industrial organization, agricultural studies and environmental sciences as well as those with an interest in the globalisation and governance of this important and topical area.