Answer to Question #169274 in Law for Dawuda Hamda

Question

There are set of principles which serve as foundation from which environmental law operates. As an environmental law student, identify and discuss at leat five of the principles using sound environmentally related examples to support your claims.

Answer 1

Principles of Environmental Law

Refers to a collection of laws, regulations and agreements that administrates how humans interact with their environment. They include;

1.    The precautionary principle. This requires control of an activity immediately rather than later in case of a strong suspicion that it may have harmful environmental consequences. For example, determining if a certain amount of air pollution will result in increased mortality due to respiratory diseases.

2.    The “polluter pays” principle. Underlies U.S laws demanding cleanup of release of hazardous substances. This principle applies to factories that emit untreated chemicals or unfiltered exhaust and many others.

3.    The prevention principle. Regulates the generation, transportation, treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous wastes and materials. For example, the government may restrict widespread release of medicine or technology until it has been thoroughly tested.

4.    The public participation principle where decisions about the environment protection integrate views of the public. In Europe where decision making is facilitated by laws that allow public participation.

5.    The integration principle. Due consideration should be given to the possible consequences of environmentally fateful decisions. For example, (the US and the EU) and business organizations have incorporated environmental considerations into their decision making.