The precautionary principle is a well-established element of international environmental policy, which is enshrined in several national and international laws, and is grounded in scientic rationality. The precautionary principle is not speculative, but it involves empirical evidence of a threat and applies an extrapolation from threat to possible impacts that is informed by scientifically understood causal mechanisms.

Solution-oriented assessments present an opportunity for the new IPCP Policy Brief: Leveraging solution-oriented assessments for the Science-Policy Panel (SPP) to produce actionable knowledge and a range of policy responses for policymakers and other societal actors.

The IPCP prepared a policy brief on exploring outputs of the Science-Policy Panel on chemicals, waste and pollution prevention as input to OWEG process.

We urge that processes and procedures of the science-policy panel (SPP) address conflict-of-interest (COI) by: (1) adopting a strong COI policy to avoid undue influence of those holding a direct vested interest in the outcome of the Panel, and (2) conducting periodic audits to ensure that the intent of the COI policy is being upheld in the Panel’s processes and products.

We urge the science-policy panel (SPP) to adopt a hazard framework in its prioritization process to be consistent with supporting the Precautionary Principle and to effectively and efficiently avoid risk and impact.

When developing the structure and scope for the new Science-Policy Panel it is of utmost importance to address the issue of Conflict of Interest. Specifically, experts with a Conflict of Interest participating in the decision-making process and the core work of the Panel would come with a high risk of conflicting and/or incompatible outcomes or delayed implementation of solutions.