Caution is a sensible approach where the interests of future generations are concerned, and in cases when there is uncertainty about the environmental impacts of development, because some impacts are irreversible or only very slowly reversible. As a general rule, decisions that may result in irreversible damage to the stock of environmental assets should be carefully evaluated and avoided wherever possible. Where the risk of potentially serious, albeit uncertain, adverse effects can be reduced through preventative action or further research at modest cost, it is worthwhile paying this "insurance premium". Research and development has an important role to play in providing information to lessen the risk of environmentally damaging decisions being made.

Equally, it is necessary to evaluate the risk to future economic prospects if business investment and growth is prevented or discouraged. In some cases it be worthwhile paying the price of some environmental damage to ensure present and future economic benefits. This will be particularly relevant in the commercial development of non-renewable resources, where at least some transient impact on the environment is inevitable.

Evaluating risk is likely to be aided through the development of indicators of sustainablllty for biological processes and for economic efficiency.

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