Trust and consequences: Role of community science, perceptions, values, and environmental justice in risk communication

Burger, Joanna

doi:10.1111/risa.14020

Trust and consequences: Role of community science, perceptions, values, and environmental justice in risk communication

Journal Article · Sat Sep 17 00:00:00 EDT 2022 · Risk Analysis

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/risa.14020· OSTI ID:2418447

^[1]

Rutgers Univ., Piscataway, NJ (United States); OSTI

Risk communication is often viewed as imparting information and perhaps as a two-way dialogue. Risk communication inadequacies on the part of both “communicator” and “community members” can lead to adverse consequences and amplify environmental justice disparities. The paper suggests a transformational approach where risk communicators must learn to trust community experts and their knowledge base (and act upon it), where risk information imparted by risk communicators addresses what communities are most concerned about (as well as risk from specific chemicals or radionuclides), and where risk information and assessments address underlying issues and disparities, as well as cultural traditions (among others). Providing risk probabilities is no longer sufficient; western science may not be enough, and community and native scientific knowledge is needed. Risk communication (or information transfer) for environmental risks that are ongoing usually applies to low-income, minority communities—people living in dense inner cities, rural communities, Native American communities—or to people living near a risky facility. Communication within this context requires mutual trust, listening and respect, as well as acceptance of indigenous and community knowledge as equally valuable. Examples are given to illustrate a community perspective.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Vanderbilt Univ., Nashville, TN (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE; National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Grant/Contract Number:: FC01-06EW07053

OSTI ID:: 2418447

Journal Information:: Risk Analysis, Journal Name: Risk Analysis Journal Issue: 11 Vol. 42; ISSN 0272-4332

Publisher:: WileyCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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