Environmental Decision Making: Emerging Conceptualisations of Uncertainty and Precaution

In contrast to traditional 'risk-based' approaches to environmental decision making, this paper identifies the emergence of approaches based around the process of negotiating uncertainties. I begin by presenting different typologies of uncertainty before offering a synthesis conceptualisation of 'incertitude'. I then consider the theoretical literature on how decision making processes can develop to confront the challenges of different forms of incertitude and highlight the distinction between applying a precautionary principle and adopting a precautionary approach. Through doing so, this paper presents some emerging trends in the conceptualisation and stance adopted towards the uncertainties inherent in environmental decision making.