GGH2605
ASSIGNMENT 2 (SEMESTER 2)
DUE DATE: 10 September 2024
Written Assignment Submission Guidelines:
Please ensure that your assignment is submitted electronically through the myUnisa platform no
later than September 2024. Kindly note that fax or email submissions will not be accepted.
NB: Assignment submitted to the lecturer(s) through email will not be considered.
QUESTION 1
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.
ANSWER:
INTRODUCTION
The precautionary principle, as discussed by Kriebel et al. (2001), is a fundamental approach in
environmental policy, aimed at preventing harm when scientific evidence about potential risks is
uncertain. This principle emphasizes the need to take protective action in the face of uncertainty,
particularly when human health and the environment are at stake. In my own experience, the
precautionary principle was applied in a local context involving the management of pesticide use in
agricultural practices, which directly affected my community’s interaction with the environment.
ASSIGNMENT 2 (SEMESTER 2)
DUE DATE: 10 September 2024
Written Assignment Submission Guidelines:
Please ensure that your assignment is submitted electronically through the myUnisa platform no
later than September 2024. Kindly note that fax or email submissions will not be accepted.
NB: Assignment submitted to the lecturer(s) through email will not be considered.
QUESTION 1
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.
ANSWER:
INTRODUCTION
The precautionary principle, as discussed by Kriebel et al. (2001), is a fundamental approach in
environmental policy, aimed at preventing harm when scientific evidence about potential risks is
uncertain. This principle emphasizes the need to take protective action in the face of uncertainty,
particularly when human health and the environment are at stake. In my own experience, the
precautionary principle was applied in a local context involving the management of pesticide use in
agricultural practices, which directly affected my community’s interaction with the environment.
