Scientific community, environmental policy

Rodricks has made the difficult topic of risk assessment accessible to the regulatory, policy and scientific communities. Calculated Risks focuses on the science of assessing health risks and provides a framework for understanding this complex topic. It should be required reading for those concerned about environmental pollution and protection of health and environment. Carol J. Henry, Vice President Science and Research,... 

In 2000, the European Commission issued a communication on the precautionary principle (EU 2000), in which it adopted a procedure for the application of this concept. The precautionary principle is not defined in the treaty, which prescribes it only once - to protect the environment. But in practice, its scope is much wider, beyond that of environmental policy, and, specifically where preliminary objective scientific evaluation, indicates that there are reasonable grounds for concern that the potentially dangerous effects on the environment, human, animal, or plant health may be inconsistent with the high level of protection chosen for the Community. The precautionary principle is implemented, for example, in the EU food law and also affects, among others, policies relating to consumer protection, trade and research, and technological development. 

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator and Gore acolyte Carol Browner, whose agency was condemned repeatedly by the scientific community and admonished by the courts for flawed policies and decisions ... 

The extent to which scientists are able to network - both formally and informally - with their peers in other countries is another factor which promotes alignment between European-level and national policy. Collaboration through the Framework Programmes was reported to be extremely useful - especially for environmental science, where there are often no natural boundaries . In certain niche areas, e.g. marine research, it was reported that the members of the scientific community are well connected and frequently work together. 

The goals of pollution prevention complement many of the strategic goals of the United States. It is obvious that the national goals of environmental protection as reiterated in the Pollution Prevention Act are served by this relatively new focus of the environmental movement. However, it is also true that interests of the country s economic competitiveness, health and well-being of the nation s populace as well as its basic science and research capabilities are also beneficiaries of this new pollution prevention policy. It is for these reasons that there is such a widespread support for more environmentally benign processes to be developed throughout all sectors of the economy and the scientific community. 

Action by the CFC producers and users around the world has been very positive. Many of the key programs are in place to provide a safe and timely transition away from CFCs to environmentally acceptable alternatives. The scientific community has reached a consensus that the rapid and successful introduction of HFCs and HCFCs will result in lower stratospheric chlorine levels. Government cooperation is required to ensure a rapid transition away from CFCs. Uncertainty about availability of HCFC and HFC alternatives delays commitments by producers of goods currently dependent on CFCs. Companies must know what alternatives will be available before committing major investments to the research and development necessary to use the new compounds in their products. Policy makers need to provide clear and prompt signals to industry and the consumer. If HCFCs and HFCs are deemed acceptable alternatives, a strong statement to that effect will speed their development and the transition from CFCs. If they are deemed unacceptable, industry may focus its resources elsewhere which will likely mean continued use of CFCs until other viable technologies are identified. 

During the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), the U S. National Academies, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the American Chemistry Council announced a new initiative to facilitate better communication among scientists, policymakers, and other decisionmakers so that scientific knowledge more effectively informs public policy and private sector decisions relating to sustainability in developing countries. More specifically, the goals of the initiative are ... 

The assessment of a given environmental issue relates the current scientific information and understanding of this issue to those who need it as a basis for policy and decision making. In this sense it bridges the research and the decision making communities. 

The distinctive nature of the framework results primarily from three differences in emphasis relative to previous risk assessment approaches. First, ecological risk assessment can consider effects beyond those on individuals of a single species and may examine population, community, or ecosystem impacts. Second, there is no one set of assessment endpoints (environmental values to be protected) that can be generally applied. Rather, assessment endpoints are selected from a very large number of possibilities based on both scientific and policy considerations. Finally, a comprehensive approach to ecological risk assessment may go beyond the traditional emphasis on chemical effects to consider the possible effects of nonchemical stressors. 

The American Public Health Association (APHA), established in 1872, functions as the oldest and most diverse organization of public health professionals in the world. The association seeks to help protect all American families and their communities from preventable serious health threats. The association strives to ensure the accessibility of community-based health promotions, disease-prevention activities, and preventive health services for all Americans. The association promotes the scientific and professional foundations related to public health practice and policy. APHA also advocates the importance of a healthy global society by emphasizing prevention and enhancing members ability to promote environmental and community health. 

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