Risk, Society, Politicians, Scientists, and People

Abstract

Are we a world full of Cassandras or Dr. Panglosses or both? Is nuclear power not worth the risk? Can the greenhouse effect really be triggered by our present consumption habits regarding carbon fuels? Could a nuclear war wipe out civilization as we know it? How important are terrorism, radon, smoking, the hole in the ozone layer, automobile accidents, AIDS, and myriad of other new threats to current and future existence?