Risk perception and risk communication

This chapter first discusses risk perception, then risk communication. Risk perception refers to a person’s subjective judgement or appraisal of risk, which can involve social, cultural, and psychological factors. Risk perceptions need to be carefully considered and incorporated into risk management, as they will influence how people respond to the risks and subsequent management efforts. Risk perception studies demonstrate what matters to people. Risk perception also sometimes covers judgements of the acceptability of risk, which makes the difference between risk perception and professional risk descriptions even more evident. The chapter provides concepts, theories, frameworks, approaches, methods and models for communicating risk. It analyses studies of risk communication for concrete activities. It considers how risk analysis insights are important, to ensure good risk communication. The risk communication cannot be judged as successful just by observing that all relevant parties are pleased with the approach taken or do not have reasons to question it.