Scientific diversity, scientific uncertainty and risk mitigation policy and planning: final report
Pagination
1-36Language
engResearch statement
This is the Final Report of the ‘RMPP project’ (Scientific Diversity, Scientific Uncertainty and Risk Mitigation Policy and Planning project), which addressed the use and utility of science and other forms of knowledge by natural hazard practitioners, and the pragmatic meaning these hold for their risk mitigation work.
Natural hazard managers often expect, and are expected, to achieve outcomes by using scientific facts and rational problem-solving to increase certainty of decisions in the face of hazardous events (Funtowitcz and Ravetz, 2003). At the same time, the uncertainties of natural hazards means that this sector has always set different terms to the this ‘pipeline’ approach to the use science (also called the ‘linear model of scientific expertise’).
The ability of policymakers and practitioners to explain and justify risk mitigation and its evidence is compromised without greater insight into how science and other forms of knowledge are used in emergency management policy and practice. The sector does not receive the full range of information it requires, and continues to be vulnerable to the perpetuation of ‘myths’ about science, its use and its usefulness.
As natural hazard risk mitigation is inherently complex, knowledge diversity is needed for practitioners to better understand where the various contributions of science lie, where the contribution of other knowledge lies, and the differing value and utility these have to the matter of concern.
With this, they have the potential to consider a broader scope of options, make better risk mitigation decisions and more effectively defend them.
In support, we offer natural hazard risk mitigation practitioners a set of guidelines focused on moving from finding the risk mitigation solution, to a more pragmatic approach that embraces risk complexity and uncertainty.Publication classification
A6 Research report/technical paperPublisher
Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRCPlace of publication
[Canberra, A.C.T.]
