Practice question
Authorities identify a threat of serious environmental damage and available cost-effective preventive measures. They postpone all such measures solely because science is not fully certain. Which Principle15 response is correct?
- The stated uncertainty is not a sufficient reason for that postponement.
- Full certainty is always required first.
- A risk must already have become irreversible injury.
- The principle applies only after every person agrees.
- All scientific evidence must be ignored.
Legal references
- Rio Declaration (1992), Principles1,3–5 and15: https://www.cbd.int/doc/ref/rio-declaration.shtml
- ICJ, Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change, Advisory Opinion, July23 2025, main opinion, paragraphs158 and293–294: https://icj-web.leman.un-icc.cloud/sites/default/files/case-related/187/187-20250723-adv-01-00-en.pdf
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