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The political discourse that has emerged as a consequence of establishing a European regulatory framework for GMOs has not been without problems. This dissertation addresses the political and regulatory challenges created by the development and use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the EU. The underlying hypothesis in the dissertation is that the emergence of a European policy in the field of GMOs has appeared through new reflexive forms of governance. The aim of this research is to understand how these reflexive forms of regulation have emerged and operate within the EU, with a particular focus on the two GMO directives 90/220/EEC and 2001/18/EC. However, the study scrutinises the regulatory regimes from the 1970s onwards by investigating how the regulatory framework regarding GMOs has been developed and implemented in the EU. This is done through an analysis of the notion of ‘risk’ and the ‘precautionary principle’ since these concepts have been at the forefront of the GMO regulation debate. The empirical approach focuses on how the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Council as well as other actors and institutions articulate ambivalence, interpretations and uncertainties in the decision-making processes regarding regulative measures for GMOs, with an accent on risk and the precautionary principle. The main empirical material has been documents concerning the inter-institutional process involved in the regulatory process of making the two directives. The analysis indicates that during the process of implementing GMO regulations, new steering strategies have appeared within the EU’s decision-making institutions when the objective of the regulation has taken centre stage in political and scientific controversies. / Den politiska diskursen som har uppstått som en följd av upprättandet av ett europeiskt regelverk för GMO har inte varit utan problem. Denna avhandling behandlar de politiska utmaningar som alstrats av skapandet och tillämpningen av genetiskt modifierade organismer (GMO) inom EU. Den underliggande hypotesen i avhandlingen är att framväxten av en europeisk politik på området för GMO har uppstått genom nya reflexiva regleringsformer. Syftet med denna forskning är att förstå hur reflexiva regleringsformer har uppkommit och opererar inom EU, med särskilt fokus på de två GMO direktiven 90/220/EEG och 2001/18/EG. Studien analyserar lagstiftning från 1970-talet och framåt genom att undersöka hur lagstiftningen om genetiskt modifierade organismer har utvecklats och implementerats i EU. Detta görs genom en analys av begreppen ‘risk’ och ‘försiktighetsprincipen’ eftersom dessa begrepp har varit centrala för debatten om GMO lagstiftningen. Den empiriska metoden fokuserar på hur Europeiska kommissionen, Europaparlamentet och Europeiska rådet samt andra aktörer och institutioner har uttryckt ambivalens, tolkningar och osäkerhet i beslutsfattandet gällande reglerings åtgärder för genetiskt modifierade organismer, med tonvikt på risk och försiktighetsprincipen. Det huvudsakliga empiriska materialet är dokument gällande den interinstitutionella processen som ägde rum när de två direktiven skapades. Analysen visar att implementeringen av GMO lagstiftningen har skapat nya styrningsstrategier i synnerhet i de fall där ändamålet med lagstiftningen har varit föremål för politiska och vetenskapliga kontroverser.

The purpose of this study was to make a contribution towards decision–making in complex environmental problems, especially where data is limited and associated with a high degree of uncertainty. As a young scientist, I understood the value of science as a measuring and quantification tool and used to intuitively believe that science was exact and could provide undisputable answers. It was in 1997, during the Safety Assessments done at the Vaalputs National Radioactive Waste Repository that my belief system was challenged. This occurred after there were numerous scientific studies done on the site that was started since the early 1980’s, yet with no conclusion as to how safe the site is in terms of radioactive waste disposal. The Safety Assessment process was developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to transform the scientific investigations and data into decision–making information for the purposes of radioactive waste management. It was also during the Vaalputs investigations when I learned the value of lateral thinking. There were numerous scientists with doctorate and master’s degrees that worked on the site of which I was one. One of the important requirements was to measure evaporation at the local weather station close to the repository. It was specifically important to measure evaporation as a controlling parameter in the unsaturated zone models. Evaporation was measured with an Apan that is filled with water so that the losses can be measured. Vaalputs is a very dry place and water is scarce. The local weather station site was fenced off, but there was a problem in that the aardvark dug below the fence and drank the water in the A–pan, so that no measurements were possible. The solution from the scientists was to put the fence deeper into the ground. The aardvark did not find it hard to dig even deeper. The next solution was to put a second fence around the weather station and again the aardvark dug below it to drink the water. It was then that Mr Robbie Schoeman, a technician became aware of the problem and put a drinking water container outside the weather station fence for the aardvark and – the problem was solved at a fraction of the cost of the previous complex solutions. I get in contact with the same thinking patterns that intuitively expect that the act of scientific investigations will provide decision–making information or even solve the problem. If the investigation provides more questions than answers, the quest is for more and more data on more detailed scales. There is a difference between problem characterization and solution viidentification. Problem characterization requires scientific and critical thinking, which is an important component but that has to be incorporated with the solution identification process of creative thinking towards decision–making. I am a scientist by heart, but it was necessary to realise that apart from research, practical science must feed into a higher process, such as decision–making to be able to make a practical difference. The process of compilation of this thesis meant a lot to me as I initially thought of doing a PhD and then it changed me, especially in the way I think. This was a life changing process, which is good. As Jesus said in Mathew 3:2 And saying, Repent (think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Geography and Environmental Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The purpose of this study was to make a contribution towards decision–making in complex environmental problems, especially where data is limited and associated with a high degree of uncertainty. As a young scientist, I understood the value of science as a measuring and quantification tool and used to intuitively believe that science was exact and could provide undisputable answers. It was in 1997, during the Safety Assessments done at the Vaalputs National Radioactive Waste Repository that my belief system was challenged. This occurred after there were numerous scientific studies done on the site that was started since the early 1980’s, yet with no conclusion as to how safe the site is in terms of radioactive waste disposal. The Safety Assessment process was developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to transform the scientific investigations and data into decision–making information for the purposes of radioactive waste management. It was also during the Vaalputs investigations when I learned the value of lateral thinking. There were numerous scientists with doctorate and master’s degrees that worked on the site of which I was one. One of the important requirements was to measure evaporation at the local weather station close to the repository. It was specifically important to measure evaporation as a controlling parameter in the unsaturated zone models. Evaporation was measured with an Apan that is filled with water so that the losses can be measured. Vaalputs is a very dry place and water is scarce. The local weather station site was fenced off, but there was a problem in that the aardvark dug below the fence and drank the water in the A–pan, so that no measurements were possible. The solution from the scientists was to put the fence deeper into the ground. The aardvark did not find it hard to dig even deeper. The next solution was to put a second fence around the weather station and again the aardvark dug below it to drink the water. It was then that Mr Robbie Schoeman, a technician became aware of the problem and put a drinking water container outside the weather station fence for the aardvark and – the problem was solved at a fraction of the cost of the previous complex solutions. I get in contact with the same thinking patterns that intuitively expect that the act of scientific investigations will provide decision–making information or even solve the problem. If the investigation provides more questions than answers, the quest is for more and more data on more detailed scales. There is a difference between problem characterization and solution viidentification. Problem characterization requires scientific and critical thinking, which is an important component but that has to be incorporated with the solution identification process of creative thinking towards decision–making. I am a scientist by heart, but it was necessary to realise that apart from research, practical science must feed into a higher process, such as decision–making to be able to make a practical difference. The process of compilation of this thesis meant a lot to me as I initially thought of doing a PhD and then it changed me, especially in the way I think. This was a life changing process, which is good. As Jesus said in Mathew 3:2 And saying, Repent (think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Geography and Environmental Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The theme of this thesis is that ecologically sustainable coastal management (ESCM) is achievable through the application of law. Once the legal principles and the administrative structures that that law supports have been put into place a framework is created within which the goal of ecologically sustainable development - 'Development that improves the total quality of life, both now and in the future, in a way that maintains the ecological processes on which life depends' can be realised. This thesis approaches the task by analysing the components of ecologically sustainable development (ESD), synthesising them into a set of principles for achieving ESCM and then, by using a comparative approach, devising a number of recommendations, which, if followed, will enable ESCM to be achieved. While the focus is on ESCM, the recommendations could be applied with minimal adaptation, to most, if not all, natural resource management. The thesis is divided into five Parts. Part A looks at the function of law in ESCM and proposes a theoretical model for a legal and administrative regime to be tested in the remaining Parts. Part B considers the context for ESCM and the policies and approaches followed by the different jurisdictions compared throughout this thesis, in addressing sustainable development, with emphasis in chapter four on devising the principles for ESCM. These principles are then developed and analysed in the remaining Parts of the thesis. Part C looks at the current constitutional legal regime for the coastal zone in each jurisdiction and then moves on to consider the first two of the principles for ESCM, international responsibilities and integrated coastal zone management, linked together in this part by the direct dependence on law as the agent for management Part D is about the four remaining principles of ESCM - the practical instruments for achieving ESCM. These are environmental impact assessment, public participation, coastal planning and economic instruments. In the last Part, Part E, the suggested principles for ESCM are brought together and, by a comparison of the various legal and administrative mechanisms used in the jurisdictions reviewed in this thesis, recommendations for achieving ESCM are drawn up. It is suggested that implementation of these recommendations will achieve ecologically sustainable coastal management.

As embalagens de PET (Poli Tereftalato de Etileno) acumulam-se de sobejo no meio ambiente natural, causando, além da poluição visual, a evidente degradação ambiental, que vem tomando lugar nos assentos das preocupações humanas contemporâneas. Neste sentido, e com o intuito de contribuir com a sociedade e a comunidade acadêmica, buscou-se estudar a responsabilidade civil ambiental a partir do contexto no qual se inserem as embalagens de PET, a partir da incidência do princípio ambiental da precaução. Para tal fim, fez-se necessário o estudo das fontes mais fidedignas acerca do tema, além, é claro, da interdisciplinaridade que o estudo do direito ambiental oferece aos apreciadores do tema, com suas interações entre a natureza e o homem. A partir disto, procurou-se reler a sociedade contemporânea lastreada pelo consumo, que vive sob os riscos constantes que ela mesma criou, um deles diz respeito aos problemas ambientais que restringem a cada dia as ações humanas sobre o planeta Terra. Além disso, procurou-se, já nas primeiras linhas do trabalho, apresentar algumas reflexões acerca da complexidade nesta sociedade, na qual o meio ambiente não encontra a interação necessária entre ele e o homem. Abordando-se, posteriormente, os aspectos técnicos das embalagens de PET, tais como as características físico-químicas, análise do seu Ciclo de Vida e a da sua quantidade produzida no país, revelou-se a evidente degradação ambiental que causam à natureza. Viu-se, portanto, que é possível responsabilizar-se quem fabrica as embalagens de PET, já que são responsáveis, desde a concepção até a destinação final destes tipos de embalagens, e não podem eximir-se do ônus de suportar os custos ambientais inerentes à sua atividade. Contribuem para a diminuição da degradação ambiental causada pelas embalagens de PET, entretanto, além da óbvia responsabilização, ações concretas no sentido da reciclagem, além da educação ambiental formadora de pessoas conscientes de seus atos para com a natureza, podendo utilizar-se dela sem, no entanto, extingui-la. Desta sorte, o trabalho restringiu-se a este tipo de assunto exatamente porque é quotidiano e incide oportunamente na sociedade atual na qual se vive, caracterizada, como dito acima, pelo reflexo das suas próprias ações. Por derradeiro, é preciso que se refira, a importância do estudo não se restringe à comunidade acadêmica senão que vai além, destina-se à sociedade, como forma de deixar um legado para as gerações futuras, que certamente poderão viver num meio ambiente ecologicamente equilibrado e destinado à sua sadia qualidade de vida. / Submitted by Marcelo Teixeira (mvteixeira@ucs.br) on 2014-05-19T18:12:14Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Gustavo Rech .pdf: 938321 bytes, checksum: f598f74677ed75160e9b5dd23fd4e3bd (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-19T18:12:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Gustavo Rech .pdf: 938321 bytes, checksum: f598f74677ed75160e9b5dd23fd4e3bd (MD5) / The PET packing (Poli Ethylene Terephthalate) accumulate itself on the natural environment, causing, not only visual pollution, but the evident natural degradation, that comes taking place on the sits of human worries contemporary. Accordingly, and in order to contribute to the society and to the academic comunity, The study is sought environmental liability from the context in which it that insert the PET Packing, from the environmental impact of the principle of precaution. To this end, there was the need the study of the most creditable resources about theme, addition, of course, the interdisciplinary study of the environmental law offers to find the theme, with their interation between nature and the human being. From this, tried to read the contemporary society Lastry by consumption, which lives under the constantly hazard that it made by it self, One of them relates to environmental problems that restrict the every day human actions under the earth planet. Moreover, tried to, on the first lines of this work, to show some reflections about the complexity in this society, in which the environment is not a necessary interaction between him and the man. Addressing itself then the technical aspects of PET packaging, such as physico-chemical characteristics, analysis of its cycle of life and the quantity of its production in the country, revealing the evident degradation that cause to nature. It has, therefore, it is possible to blame themselves who manufactures the PET packaging, as they are responsible, from conception till the final destination of this kind of packing, and can not shirk is the burden of supporting the environmental costs associated with their activities. They contribute to the reduction of environmental degradation caused by PET packaging, however, beyond the obvious accountability, concrete actions towards recycling, in addition to the environmental education training of people aware of their acts to the nature, and can use them without, in the But extingui it. As luck, the work restricted itself to this kind of issue exactly becaude is quotidian current focuses appropriately on society in which it lives, characterized as above, the reflection of their own actions. For ultimate, we need to refer the importance of the study is not limited to the academic community but goes beyond that, it is intended to society as a way to leave a legacy for the future genarations, that certainly can live an ecologically balanced environment and for its sound quality of life.

O presente trabalho desenvolve um estudo acerca das consequências humanitárias frente à degradação do meio ambiente, bem como da atenção dada pela comunidade internacional nos últimos anos a essa problemática. Desse modo, observa-se a interação em particular do impacto dos riscos e desastres ambientais de origem naturais ou tecnológicos, com os movimentos migratórios humanos dentro de países ou internacionalmente, os quais ainda são pouco explorados e estudados. Analisa também a busca por um sistema jurídico de cooperação internacional dos países, na proteção aos direitos humanos dessas populações que se deslocam devido a causas ambientais, garantindo-lhes com isso o acesso aos direitos humanos fundamentais à vida, saúde, moradia, dignidade humana, entre outros. A partir disso e da constatação da existência de problemas ambientais associados à migração humana, examina que os riscos ambientais não são equitativamente distribuídos, o que preconiza o movimento da justiça ambiental. Fatores como a pobreza, associados à vulnerabilidade de populações e comunidades inteiras, estão no centro da distribuição desses riscos. Devido a isso, pode-se constatar que a exposição de pessoas vulneráveis aos riscos e desastres ecológicos contribui para uma maior exposição à violação dos direitos humanos. Esta dissertação tem como desafios analisar a relação entre meio ambiente, riscos, desastres ambientais e migração humana, decorrente dos riscos e desastres ecológicos. / Submitted by Marcelo Teixeira (mvteixeira@ucs.br) on 2014-05-30T16:28:57Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Vanessa Vergani.pdf: 878131 bytes, checksum: 0d83f6d697f88f51469e31fb9a15c1af (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-30T16:28:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Vanessa Vergani.pdf: 878131 bytes, checksum: 0d83f6d697f88f51469e31fb9a15c1af (MD5) / The present work develops a study concerning the humanitarian consequences as far as environmental degradation is concerned, as well as the attention given to it by the international community over the last years. Thus, it observes, particularly, the interaction between the impact of both risks and natural or technological environmental disasters and the human migratory movements within the countries or abroad, which have been little explored and studied so far. It also analyzes the quest for a legal system of international cooperation of the countries aiming at the protection of the human rights of these populations which are forced to flee due to environmental causes, granting themselves access to the basic human rights such as , life, health, housing and human dignity, among others. From that, and considering the existence of environmental problems associated to the human migration, this work examines that environmental risks are not equitably distributed, therefore professing the Environmental Rights Movement. Factors as the poverty associated to the vulnerability of populations and entire communities are in the core of this risk distribution. Owing to that, the exposure of vulnerable people to environmental risks and disasters contribute to a greater feasibility for human rights violation. This essay holds as challenges to analyze the relation among environment, risks, environmental disasters and human migration caused by ecological risks and disasters.

As embalagens de PET (Poli Tereftalato de Etileno) acumulam-se de sobejo no meio ambiente natural, causando, além da poluição visual, a evidente degradação ambiental, que vem tomando lugar nos assentos das preocupações humanas contemporâneas. Neste sentido, e com o intuito de contribuir com a sociedade e a comunidade acadêmica, buscou-se estudar a responsabilidade civil ambiental a partir do contexto no qual se inserem as embalagens de PET, a partir da incidência do princípio ambiental da precaução. Para tal fim, fez-se necessário o estudo das fontes mais fidedignas acerca do tema, além, é claro, da interdisciplinaridade que o estudo do direito ambiental oferece aos apreciadores do tema, com suas interações entre a natureza e o homem. A partir disto, procurou-se reler a sociedade contemporânea lastreada pelo consumo, que vive sob os riscos constantes que ela mesma criou, um deles diz respeito aos problemas ambientais que restringem a cada dia as ações humanas sobre o planeta Terra. Além disso, procurou-se, já nas primeiras linhas do trabalho, apresentar algumas reflexões acerca da complexidade nesta sociedade, na qual o meio ambiente não encontra a interação necessária entre ele e o homem. Abordando-se, posteriormente, os aspectos técnicos das embalagens de PET, tais como as características físico-químicas, análise do seu Ciclo de Vida e a da sua quantidade produzida no país, revelou-se a evidente degradação ambiental que causam à natureza. Viu-se, portanto, que é possível responsabilizar-se quem fabrica as embalagens de PET, já que são responsáveis, desde a concepção até a destinação final destes tipos de embalagens, e não podem eximir-se do ônus de suportar os custos ambientais inerentes à sua atividade. Contribuem para a diminuição da degradação ambiental causada pelas embalagens de PET, entretanto, além da óbvia responsabilização, ações concretas no sentido da reciclagem, além da educação ambiental formadora de pessoas conscientes de seus atos para com a natureza, podendo utilizar-se dela sem, no entanto, extingui-la. Desta sorte, o trabalho restringiu-se a este tipo de assunto exatamente porque é quotidiano e incide oportunamente na sociedade atual na qual se vive, caracterizada, como dito acima, pelo reflexo das suas próprias ações. Por derradeiro, é preciso que se refira, a importância do estudo não se restringe à comunidade acadêmica senão que vai além, destina-se à sociedade, como forma de deixar um legado para as gerações futuras, que certamente poderão viver num meio ambiente ecologicamente equilibrado e destinado à sua sadia qualidade de vida. / The PET packing (Poli Ethylene Terephthalate) accumulate itself on the natural environment, causing, not only visual pollution, but the evident natural degradation, that comes taking place on the sits of human worries contemporary. Accordingly, and in order to contribute to the society and to the academic comunity, The study is sought environmental liability from the context in which it that insert the PET Packing, from the environmental impact of the principle of precaution. To this end, there was the need the study of the most creditable resources about theme, addition, of course, the interdisciplinary study of the environmental law offers to find the theme, with their interation between nature and the human being. From this, tried to read the contemporary society Lastry by consumption, which lives under the constantly hazard that it made by it self, One of them relates to environmental problems that restrict the every day human actions under the earth planet. Moreover, tried to, on the first lines of this work, to show some reflections about the complexity in this society, in which the environment is not a necessary interaction between him and the man. Addressing itself then the technical aspects of PET packaging, such as physico-chemical characteristics, analysis of its cycle of life and the quantity of its production in the country, revealing the evident degradation that cause to nature. It has, therefore, it is possible to blame themselves who manufactures the PET packaging, as they are responsible, from conception till the final destination of this kind of packing, and can not shirk is the burden of supporting the environmental costs associated with their activities. They contribute to the reduction of environmental degradation caused by PET packaging, however, beyond the obvious accountability, concrete actions towards recycling, in addition to the environmental education training of people aware of their acts to the nature, and can use them without, in the But extingui it. As luck, the work restricted itself to this kind of issue exactly becaude is quotidian current focuses appropriately on society in which it lives, characterized as above, the reflection of their own actions. For ultimate, we need to refer the importance of the study is not limited to the academic community but goes beyond that, it is intended to society as a way to leave a legacy for the future genarations, that certainly can live an ecologically balanced environment and for its sound quality of life.

O presente trabalho desenvolve um estudo acerca das consequências humanitárias frente à degradação do meio ambiente, bem como da atenção dada pela comunidade internacional nos últimos anos a essa problemática. Desse modo, observa-se a interação em particular do impacto dos riscos e desastres ambientais de origem naturais ou tecnológicos, com os movimentos migratórios humanos dentro de países ou internacionalmente, os quais ainda são pouco explorados e estudados. Analisa também a busca por um sistema jurídico de cooperação internacional dos países, na proteção aos direitos humanos dessas populações que se deslocam devido a causas ambientais, garantindo-lhes com isso o acesso aos direitos humanos fundamentais à vida, saúde, moradia, dignidade humana, entre outros. A partir disso e da constatação da existência de problemas ambientais associados à migração humana, examina que os riscos ambientais não são equitativamente distribuídos, o que preconiza o movimento da justiça ambiental. Fatores como a pobreza, associados à vulnerabilidade de populações e comunidades inteiras, estão no centro da distribuição desses riscos. Devido a isso, pode-se constatar que a exposição de pessoas vulneráveis aos riscos e desastres ecológicos contribui para uma maior exposição à violação dos direitos humanos. Esta dissertação tem como desafios analisar a relação entre meio ambiente, riscos, desastres ambientais e migração humana, decorrente dos riscos e desastres ecológicos. / The present work develops a study concerning the humanitarian consequences as far as environmental degradation is concerned, as well as the attention given to it by the international community over the last years. Thus, it observes, particularly, the interaction between the impact of both risks and natural or technological environmental disasters and the human migratory movements within the countries or abroad, which have been little explored and studied so far. It also analyzes the quest for a legal system of international cooperation of the countries aiming at the protection of the human rights of these populations which are forced to flee due to environmental causes, granting themselves access to the basic human rights such as , life, health, housing and human dignity, among others. From that, and considering the existence of environmental problems associated to the human migration, this work examines that environmental risks are not equitably distributed, therefore professing the Environmental Rights Movement. Factors as the poverty associated to the vulnerability of populations and entire communities are in the core of this risk distribution. Owing to that, the exposure of vulnerable people to environmental risks and disasters contribute to a greater feasibility for human rights violation. This essay holds as challenges to analyze the relation among environment, risks, environmental disasters and human migration caused by ecological risks and disasters.

L’incertitude est présente dans toute innovation. Dans le domaine des nanotechnologies, l’incertitude qui entoure les risques sanitaires et environnementaux dont ces technologies pourraient être porteuses est si importante que la question de leur succès se pose.En partie du fait du manque de données cohérentes, il n’existe qu’une littérature empirique limitée sur les déterminants de la diffusion des nanotechnologies. Dans le cadre d’un programme de recherche sur les nanotechnologies, cette thèse a pour but d’investiguer les déterminants de l’adoption d’innovations dans une situation d’incertitude sur les risques environnementaux et sanitaires. Dans cette optique, nos travaux visent dans un premier temps à fournir une meilleure compréhension de la diffusion d’un produit qui est présent sur le marché depuis longtemps. Nous avons choisi une substance chimique très utilisée, le bisphénol A (BPA). Différentes méthodes économétriques sont appliquées afin de mieux comprendre la relation entre la consommation, la croissance économique, les nouvelles connaissances scientifiques concernant le risque et d’autres variables utilisant les données relatives au BPA. Les résultats illustrent un ensemble de facteurs qui influencent la consommation de BPA au niveau international.Dans un second temps, nous montrons dans quelle mesure cette étude permet d’éclairer la réflexion initiée sur la diffusion des nanotechnologies, notamment le nano-argent.Le comportement des différents acteurs en réponse à la production de connaissances scientifiques nouvelles sur les risques est étudié, ce qui nous permet d’aboutir à une compréhension approfondie de “développement nanoresponsable”. / Uncertainty is immanent in every innovation. Uncertainty about environmental and health risks that surround nanotechnology raises the questions of innovation success. Due in part to a lack of consistent data, there is limited empirical literature on determinants of the diffusion of nanotechnology. As part of a research program on nanotechnology, this research aims to investigate determinants of uptake of innovation in a situation of uncertainty about environmental and health risks. With this goal, as a first step, this work seeks to provide better understanding of the diffusion of a product that has been on the market for a long time. We have chosen a chemical, bisphenol A (BPA), because of the lack of historical data on nanomaterials. As a second step, we compare the results of the BPA study to nanosilver. We apply different econometric methods to gain insights into the relationship between consumption, economic growth, new scientific knowledge about risk and other variables using the data on BPA. The results illustrate a set of factors that influences the consumption of BPA at international level. The comparative study between BPA and nanosilver helps to refine the interpretation of main results and to obtain additional insights into the determinants of uptake of nanosilver. An explanatory analysis sheds light on the actions that different stakeholders undertake in response to new scientific knowledge about risk and deepens our understanding of “nanoresponsible development”.Keywords: Innovation, diffusion of innovation, product life cycle, nanotechnology, bisphenol A, risk, uncertainty, environment, health, precautionary principle, Safer by Design, responsible development