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

Flynn, Robert; Ricci, Miriam; Bellaby, Paul

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. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Apr 1, 2012
• Journal: Journal of Risk Research
• Print ISSN: 1366-9877
• Electronic ISSN: 1466-4461
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 15
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 373-387
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13669877.2011.634517
• Keywords: emergent risks, hydrogen energy, critical trust
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/952878
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13669877.2011.634517
• Additional Information: Additional Information : Available online 23 Jan 2012