On air: Are we afraid to take risks?
| 09:10 UK time, Friday, 23 April 2010
WHO'S ONLINE FROM WHYS? Nuala
asks 'is volcanic ash the new swine flu?'
He argues that politicians and scientists have lost credibility due to the way incidents like the volcano erupting and swine flu are managed. Do you think these types of stories impact how you react to risk?
Max Hastings agrees with him but also blames the media
'The media inevitably highlights personal tragedies, but often bears a responsibility for failing to promote rational assessments of peril. '
What about how the financial crisis was managed and reported? Did it help or hinder recovery?
Or do you expect your government, the media and scientists to reveal all potential risks as soon as they are known? Does it lead to a more risk-averse society? Does that matter?
If you live in an area with realised risks of either disease or natural disasters what do you think of how western society reacts?
