Optimism and pessimism play a big part in the perception of risk. Our feelings, or state of mind, override rational thought in most of our decision-making. What, if anything, can we do about it? » read more »

Fear and anger have opposite effects on risk perception. The conflict between these two emotions can play a dramatic role in our attitudes to decision making, ranging from trivial matters all the way up to the Iraq War and the Credit Crunch. » read more »

The study of risk is all about making decisions in conditions of uncertainty. We humans are influenced by many factors when making decisions, many of them more emotional than rational. There has been much discussion of these factors by risk commentators. What seems to have received less attention is whether the actions being contemplated are right or wrong. » read more »

There are many taboos associated with human excrement. Most of us try not to mention the subject. And when we do we tend to avoid plain, long-established, four-letter words. Instead we hide behind the Latin (excrement), fall back on baby-talk (poo), or resort to one of the wide variety of euphemisms. This attitude makes it difficult to have a reasonable discussion about the use of sewage sludge in agriculture. » read more »

What do you call a priest who speaks about politics? Or an arable farmer who knows nothing about American football? Or even a risk communication specialist who is ignorant about rare china? In short, what do you call someone who is not an expert? » read more »