Regulatory science in environmental policy decisions

Abstract

Regulatory science is the systematic integration of knowledge to provide scientific guidance and basis for adjustment between benefits created or to be created by science and technology and their negative effects. Such decisions require natural scientific rationality and social scientific insight. When introducing new scientific technologies widely into a society, preparation must be made to collect data that enable us to evaluate the environmental effects and health risks caused by the introduction. Information obtained from such a process is useful for civic education and crucial for democratic decision-making. In environmental policy decisions, merely considering the balance between economic benefits and disbenefits is not sufficient. Efforts must be made to decrease human and environmental risks to as low as reasonably achievable. In addition, priority must be set not to damage economical bases or mental bonds of a community but to increase social capital.