A risk science perspective on some fundamental issues in climate change research

Risk science, with its concepts, principles, models, theories, approaches and methods for understanding, assessing, characterizing, communicating and handling risk, provides insights and guidance for climate change research on topics related to risk. The present paper discusses some of these topics, the main aim being to contribute to strengthening the research on climate change risks and in particular the analysis, management and governance of such risks. The topics addressed include the use of models (especially probability models), reference to the precautionary principle and the importance of resilience. The work compares and contrasts risk science knowledge and work founded on other perspectives, including decision analysis.