Risk literacy: Foundational issues and its connection to risk science

Abstract

A new research area is developing, risk literacy. The term “risk literacy” basically refers to one's ability to understand and evaluate risk, in order to support and make appropriate decisions. In this article, we discuss how risk literacy relates to risk analysis/science with its topics of risk fundamentals (concepts), risk understanding, risk assessments, risk characterizations, risk perception, risk communication, and risk handling (covering risk management, risk governance, and policies on risk). We question how issues and research topics addressed in risk literacy relate to risk analysis/science knowledge, particularly on risk understanding. The main conclusion of the article is that risk literacy addresses an important topic—from both a theoretical and a practical societal relevancy perspective—and brings the potential for many additional developments and further insights if the topic is better integrated with risk science knowledge more broadly.