Working Concepts

Abstract

“Risk” is an awkward word. It has been taken over by scientists and economists. They think risk must be measured; and expressed as a numerical probability that something unwanted will happen (Crouch and Wilson 1982; Moore 1983). And so it must — sometimes. Fortunately, we can still use the word “risk” in a general way to mean that we might have a problem if we do so and so. If we discharge raw sewage here, swimmers run the risk of catching infectious hepatitis. That is how I will use “risk” in this book.

“Pollution and other products of environmental engineering… in ecological terms are man-made catastrophes. They set up the risk of… progressive impacts… As the ecosystem deteriorates each stage allows appropriate measures by physical, chemical and biological tests… for control…. But succession will follow… even though it may take decades, centuries or even longer…. Environmental impact will be followed by environmental recovery once the impact is no longer maintained…. Risk assessment comes to involve timing; from the initial concept of an engineered development to abandoning it”.