We all take risks every day in our personal, social and professional lives. Creating Chemistry asked experts whether we are well-equipped to assess those risks, and what could help us make better decisions.
There are hazards everywhere. A walk in the city exposes you to danger from road traffic, air pollution and crime. Yet staying at home on the couch might be even riskier: a sedentary lifestyle is associated with a range of diseases, from cancer and diabetes to depression. Life requires us to navigate a complex web of risks and rewards, and we don’t always get the balance right.
Can individuals learn to manage the risks they face, or should governments, companies and experts do more to protect us from risky situations? We asked four experts to talk to us about the science of risk. A pioneering psychologist explains how our judgements about risk are as much emotional as logical. A risk communication specialist tells us that information can support risk management in public health, or undermine it. A risk manager outlines the systems that help companies manage complex risks. And a BASF scientist illustrates the role that state-of-the-art analytics plays in the safety of chemicals.
