[Company name]
GGH2605
Assignment 2
Semester 2 2024 -
DUE 10
September 2024
QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED ANSWERS
[Author name]
, GGH2605 Assignment 2 Semester 2 2024 - DUE 10 September 2024
Using the case studies in Kriebel et al (2001) as examples, consider a situation in your
own lifeworld in which the precautionary principle has been applied and that has
affected your interaction with the environment. Write a short essay (no more than 3
pages) in which you describe the situation and then critically evaluate the effectiveness
of the policy in terms of human behaviour. Kriebel, D, Tickner, J, Epstein, P, Lemons, J,
Levins, R, Loechler, EL, Quinn, M, Rudel, R, Schettler, T & Stoto, M. 2001. The
precautionary principle in environmental science. Environmental Health Perspectives,
109(9):871-875.
The Precautionary Principle in Action: Water Restrictions During a Drought
Introduction
The precautionary principle, as outlined by Kriebel et al. (2001), suggests that when
human activities may lead to morally unacceptable harm that is scientifically plausible
but uncertain, actions should be taken to prevent or diminish that harm. This principle
has been widely applied in environmental science to mitigate potential risks before they
fully manifest. In my own life, a clear example of the precautionary principle in action
was during a severe drought in my community, where stringent water restrictions were
implemented to conserve a dwindling water supply. This essay will describe the
situation, critically evaluate the effectiveness of the policy in terms of human behavior,
and compare it to the case studies presented by Kriebel et al.
Description of the Situation
In 2017, my region experienced an unprecedented drought that severely impacted the
local water supply. In response, the local government enforced a series of water
restrictions aimed at conserving water. These restrictions included limiting household
water usage to 50 liters per person per day, banning the use of hosepipes and