Understanding and Applying the Precautionary Principle in the Energy Transition:The PP as a regulatory approach: risk, uncertainty and precaution

This chapter describes the precautionary principle as a regulatory approach, including in the context of energy-related decision-making. It analyses precaution as a “continuous variable”, illustrating the importance of taking into account the (implicit) trade-offs when prioritising certain risks. Finally, it discusses the interplay between precautionary approaches with public perception and the wider socio-political context.