Uncertainty and Precaution in Environmental Management

Communication across the engineering/science?policy/management interface is difficult. The uncertainty and ignorance associated with the predictions upon which policies are based make that communication even more difficult. The UPEM symposium addressed the philosophy, approaches and tools associated with the analysis and communication of uncertainty and ignorance to decision-makers when tackling issues of water management, chemical risk assessment and integrated assessment. Particular attention was paid to recent developments in interpretation of the Precautionary Principle. These proceedings comprise 29 articles selected for publication following full peer review. Written by renowned experts in these fields, they address key issues in environmental management and policy from scientific, philosophical, ethical and legal perspectives, and provide authoritative insights into the tasks of analyzing and communicating the role of uncertainty and ignorance for political and managerial decision support. They will enlighten any reader interested in environmental policy and provide sound advice to environmental engineers and scientists, managers, policy-makers and all engaged in applying science and engineering in a world of uncertainties.