Tuesday, October 20, 2009

The United Nations Prepare for the Worst

The United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) policy entitled Fisheries and Aquaculture in our Changing Climate uses the precautionary principle to recommend beneficial changes to our use of aquatic resources. The precautionary principle states that if there is the possibility of harm to humans or the environment then action must be taken to reduce this harm, especially when the exact nature or severity of the problem is unknown. (Beder, 2006) Although climate change is a popular topic, its effects on any ecosystem are uncertain. Throughout the world, “some countries and fisheries will benefit while others will lose – the only certainty is change and decision makers must be prepared for it.” (UNEP, 2009) It is impossible to know exactly how aquaculture will be affected by climate change. UNEP calls for precautionary measures such as further research into water ecosystems, expansion of our knowledge of climate change, and improved management of fisheries to prevent over fishing and to reduce emissions of greenhouse gas.

I believe this use of the precautionary principle is beneficial. Even if the overall effects of climate change are not as severe as predicted, better fishing practises and a larger knowledge base will assist humanity in its use of aquatic resources. By preparing for the worst, we safeguard the future. Sustainable fishing practises will benefit us regardless because healthy streams, lake and oceans provide food, livelihood and protection to millions of people.

Climate change in itself is very controversial, however most agree it is occurring, just not to what extent. Considering that water is our “buffer to climate change” (UNEP, 2009) we should protect it so that it can protect us from whatever degree of climate change occurs. UNEP’s use of the precautionary principle is not a scare tactic. Negative effects of climate change, such lower water levels and violent weather, are already present. We should conserve and reduce now to mitigate climate change and ensure a plentiful supply of fish in the future.

- Amy Adair

Resources
Beder, Sharon. Environmental Principles and Policies. London: Earthscan, 2006.

UNEP. "environment for development." 2009. United Nations Environment Programme. 18
October 2009 DocumentID=289&ArticleID=3447>.
Posted by at

3 comments:

  1. Enviro GirlsOctober 25, 2009 at 6:06 PM

    I think this is a really good example of the precautionary principle. You give a good backround of the principle and relate it to this situation quite well. It is quite necessary in the world today to prepare for the worst in order to "safeguard the future". I agree that the precautionary principle is not a scare tactic but a way of preventing irreversible damage from occuring. Overall I think you did a great job and agree with your response to this principal.

    -Elisabeth Shapiro

    ReplyDelete
  2. Emily HartwigOctober 27, 2009 at 7:19 PM

    I agree with Elisabeth, the article you selected displays a very good example of the precautionary principle. In order to protect fisheries as an economical and environmental resource something needs to be done, and if no one is aware of the issue, or willing to make a change action needs to be taken as a precaution. Also you provided a concise, clear conclusion which helped wrap up the blog. Great work!

    ReplyDelete
  3. J.E.M.October 27, 2009 at 10:41 PM

    The definition of the precautionary principle was well placed in the article. I really like how you gave multiple examples for the consequences used to enforce the precautionary principle. The blog is very focussed and to the point. Well done.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)