This guide is designed for journalists who cover stories about risks in any sector: health, environment, artificial intelligence etc. You will identify the concepts that will help you explain, for example, why false flood alarms occur, the pros and cons of installing a nuclear plant in a certain area, or the uncertainty of a study that finds a particular diet increases the risk of developing cancer.
The risk of an adverse reaction to a vaccine and the risk of not evacuating a flood-prone area have something in common: both are risks, though very different ones. While one refers to a numerical probability, the other refers to a potential consequence. Here, we explore six different meanings of the word “risk” in headlines. These examples will help you explain risks more clearly, or demand that clarity from others.
Studies on risks, especially those related to health, generate headlines because they are of concern to the public. A good understanding of risk is crucial for making decisions such as getting vaccinated, taking care of one's diet, choosing a contraceptive method or changing consumer habits. However, it is difficult: it is a statistical concept that is often identified with danger and provokes feelings, so its perception is subjective. This guide, accompanied by an infographic, brings together seven recommendations for risk information from the expert María del Carmen Climént.