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The Precautionary Principle As The Law Of Planetary Defense: Achieving The Mandate To Defend The Earth Against Asteroid And Comet Impacts While There Is Still Time, Evan R. Seamone

Journal Articles

Current legal and policy efforts to enable adequate defense against potential asteroid or comet collisions with the earth are insufficient because they are indirectly premised upon theories that require verification of a clear and imminent threat before governmental agencies can act. This Article identifies the "precautionary principle" as the preeminent law of planetary defense against asteroid and comet impacts. The precautionary principle requires governments to take action to prevent harm even when it is uncertain if, when, or where the harm will occur. It requires governments to implement specific frameworks for making prompt decisions, directs intergovernmental bodies to plan for …