Reply To: Questions regarding DPF.

[Phil’s Dad]

The so-called “precautionary principle” claims that uncertainty is a reason to make dramatic changes. It has the effect of marginalizing rational scientific study.

Therein lies the heart of the problem. The last twenty or more years of heavily funded research seems to have bought us no greater certainty over the future. For every peer-reviewed and published argument there is a counter argument from scientists every bit as well qualified. Sadly there is an increasingly high risk that blind obedience to the precautionary principle could be the most destructive course we take. Scientists (and politicians alike) need the humility to recognise their own limitations and the confidence to acknowledge that humanity does not thrive on restrictions.