A Risk Management Perspective on Climate Change: Lessons Learned from the Nuclear Industry

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Risk Assessment
• Climate Change Policy

Background:

• Anthropogenic climate change drivers are acknowledged, yet effective counter-measures lack consensus.
• Conventional approaches struggle with the complexity and long timescales of climate processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an alternative risk assessment framework for climate change mitigation.
• To facilitate a holistic synthesis of climate change drivers and response constraints.
• To support balanced decision-making across energy, socio-economic, and environmental sectors.

Main Methods:

• Adapting risk assessment methodologies from geological radioactive waste disposal.
• Employing a top-down synthesis of key features, events, and processes.
• Utilizing visual presentations to foster dialogue between specialists and stakeholders.

Main Results:

• Demonstration of a risk assessment framework applicable to climate change challenges.
• Identification of tools for synthesizing complex climate interactions.
• Development of visual aids to promote interdisciplinary and stakeholder engagement.

Conclusions:

• Risk assessment offers a viable framework for addressing climate change complexity.
• Visual tools can bridge the gap between scientific understanding and policy implementation.
• This approach aids in balancing climate responses with socio-economic and environmental considerations.