varúðarhyggja

Varúðarhyggja is an Icelandic term that translates to "precautionary principle." It is a guiding tenet in environmental policy and decision-making, particularly within Iceland and the European Union. The core idea behind varúðarhyggja is that if an action or policy has a suspected risk of causing harm to the public or to the environment, in the absence of scientific consensus that it is *not* harmful, the burden of proof that it is *not* harmful falls on those taking the action.

This principle encourages proactive measures to prevent potential harm, even when scientific evidence is incomplete or uncertain. Instead of waiting for definitive proof of damage before acting, varúðarhyggja advocates for taking preventative action to mitigate potential risks. It emphasizes caution and prioritizes the protection of health and the environment over potential economic benefits if there is a credible threat of harm.

In practice, varúðarhyggja can influence regulatory decisions regarding new technologies, chemicals, or development projects. It suggests that if there is a reasonable possibility of adverse effects, regulators should err on the side of caution. This approach aims to avoid irreversible damage and to ensure a more sustainable and safe future by addressing potential problems before they become severe.