In 1999 a unique environmental health partnership evolved between a diverse coalition of organizations, including an academic institution (Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, UMASS Lowell), a regional environmental group with grassroots links (Clean Water Fund), a disease group (MA Breast Cancer Coalition), and a national network dedicated to public interest science (Science and Environmental Health Network). These organizations developed the Massachusetts Precautionary Principle Project, a multi-year project aimed at implementing the precautionary principle in environmental health policy in Massachusetts, a model for other regions. During the first two years of the Project, the "base building" and education period, each partner is conducting outreach with their constituencies and other critical organizations to develop a common understanding of the limits of currently practiced environmental health science and policy (the problem) and the need for new approaches that address uncertainty, complexity of environmental threats and public values (the solution). The partners and their constituencies are now developing model policies to implement the precautionary principle in environmental health decision-making. This will be followed by grassroots organizing for change. The Project represents a unique opportunity for collaboration and mutual learning between academic scientists and advocates. As a result of the project we have observed a heightened understanding of science and policy among advocates, a greater awareness of community needs, and a greater understanding among scientists of the limits of current scientific approaches in environment decision-making. This slow, methodical approach is critical to bringing about the large-scale changes in environmental health policy engendered by the precautionary principle.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Environmental Health, Decision-Making
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.