Precautionary+principle5

The precautionary principle is the method of avoiding future large scale problems in light of evidence that predicts their occurrence. When a risk is suspected to be affiliated with a current practice, employing the precautionary principle would result in regulations on or abandonment of that practice. This is to ensure that serious potential risks do not develop into real problems. The precautionary principle is a principle of law that is used internationally.

The precautionary principle is crucial to the sustainment of healthy polar bear populations. Polar bear populations are effected by many human activities. Climate change due to GHG emissions is quickly melting arctic sea ice, which results in a narrow feeding period for the bears. Also, as the climate heats up and snow and ice recede, polar bear habitat is lost. Along with hunting, climate change presents a legitimate risk to polar bears. To combat these risks, the precautionary principle must be employed. Currently, there exists government quotas placed on the number of bears allowed to be harvested commercially and by the Inuit; although the accuracy of these quotas to sustain current populations is questionable. Environmentalists argue that tighter quotas would more accurately reflect the precautionary principle. International progress towards lowering global emission must also occur in order to avoid the risk of losing one of North America’s most valued species.

[|Precautionary Priciple + Polar Bear Population]