THE ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAW IN PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH: A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVE

Resumen

The study examined the precautionary principle in environmental health, in line with sustainable development. This principle expresses a proactive approach to protecting the environment from potential harm before it occurs. This principle encourages taking precautionary measures to protect health and the environment, even in the absence of comprehensive scientific evidence regarding potential risks. The goal is to prevent environmental damage that may affect current and future generations, thus promoting sustainability. According to this principle, a healthy environment is one of the fundamental pillars of public health. Preventive protection measures to promote the right to a healthy environment include regulating industrial activities, raising public awareness, improving environmental legislation, and encouraging scientific research to develop sustainable environmental solutions. The study also included criteria for taking preventive measures, risk assessment, and the application of the "polluter pays" principle to ensure that society does not bear the cost of harm. The application of civil liability indicates that individuals or companies are responsible for the environmental damage they cause. The precautionary principle can modify the terms of civil liability to include potential actions that may harm environmental health. Regarding its impact on compensation, the precautionary principle can lead to the establishment of swift and fair compensation mechanisms that include compensation for potential damages, not just actual damages. It also helps create a more flexible and responsive environment for emerging environmental and health risks. The study concluded that the precautionary principle is important for early assessment of potential risks, which contributes to changing how compensation claims are handled in the event of environmental damage. The study recommended that the establishment of guarantee funds be an effective step to secure adequate compensation for those affected by environmental damage, thereby protecting their rights.