In discussing uncertainty particularly with respect to climate change and methane emissions as Foody does, the precautionary principle was not mentioned in the article. I find this rather curious as it is an important concept existing largely because of uncertainty on what impact will be had by an action. Having discussed the precautionary recently in another class, Analyzing Sustainability, it is also key in relating to Hunter and Goodchild with respect to decision making with recognition of uncertainty and would have been good to see a little more information on.
In relation to sustainability issues, this principle comes up often as one school of thought. Because uncertainty exists and consequences of a decision could potentially be detrimental, an approach that would either not be detrimental in outcome or would be estimated to be less detrimental should be followed. We discussed fisheries in particular as fish populations are unknown and only catch data is available leaving biologists guessing the actual population and needing to make recommendations on fishing policy and allowable catch based largely on their estimates of how viable, large, health etc. the population actually is.
-Outdoor Addict