The European Union has adopted the precautionary principle, which basically says better safe than sorry, as a means to regulate issues of the environment. But is this wise? Well not according to Dr. Gary Marchant, author of the book Arbitrary and Capricious, who has this to say: “Proponents of the precautionary principle see power in its ambiguity. It gives regulators and courts unlimited discretion, and its ambiguity undermines transparency, accountability and fundamental principles of jurisprudence. Inevitably, the “precautionary principle” provides a shaky foundation for Europe’s legal decision-making. It will collapse on itself — but not before it does serious harm to Europe’s economy and society.”