Ambiguity, complexity and uncertainty surrounding the hazards of hydrogen and public views of emergent risks

Flynn, R; Ricci, M; Bellaby, P

Abstract

New technologies and emergent risks pose special problems for risk governance
and regulation. This paper outlines some of the uncertainties about the hazards
of hydrogen energy and examines qualitative evidence from recent deliberative
Citizens’ Panels in England and Wales about hydrogen energy technologies. It
is shown that laypeople express ambivalent and contradictory views about, and
critical trust in, experts’ views about hydrogen. The findings are discussed in
relation to the International Risk Governance Council framework for emergent
risks characterised by ambiguity, complexity and uncertainty.

Citation

Flynn, R., Ricci, M., & Bellaby, P. (2011). Ambiguity, complexity and uncertainty surrounding the hazards of hydrogen and public views of emergent risks. Journal of Risk Research, 15(4), 373-387. https://doi.org/10.1080/13669877.2011.634517

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 1, 2011
• Online Publication Date: Nov 15, 2011
• Publication Date: Nov 15, 2011
• Deposit Date: Dec 21, 2011
• Journal: Journal of Risk Research
• Print ISSN: 1366-9877
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 15
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 373-387
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13669877.2011.634517
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13669877.2011.634517
• Related Public URLs: http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/rjrr20/current