Viewed from the perspective of environmental management, this study describes the implications and applications of the precautionary principle - a theory of avoiding risk even when its likelihood seems remote.

Foreword * Part I - History and Context of the Precautionary Principle: The History and Contemporary Significance of the Precautionary Principle * The precautionary Principle in Germany - Enabling Government * Part II - Implications for Science: Editorial Introduction * Precaution, Science and the Sin of Hubris * What if? Versus If it Ain't Broke Don't Fix It * Taking Care * The Social Construction of Precaution * Part III - Implications for Management: Editorial Introduction * The Precautionary Principle and Economic Analysis * The Precautionary Principle and Moral Values * How the Media Respond to Precaution * The Regulation of Genetically Modified Organisms * the Precautionary Principle in Local Government * Part IV - The International Dimension: Editorial Introduction * The Precautionary Principle in US Environmental Law * The Introduction of Precautionary Principle in the UK * The Precautionary Principle in Australia * The Status of the Precautionary Principle in International Law * Part V - The Future: Seeping through the Pores