Littleboy, A.K.; (2005) Earth science, environmental risk and decision-making: The role of conceptual geoscience in a consultative approach to environmental decision making. Masters thesis , University of London.

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Abstract

The research presented in this thesis examines the changing nature of environmental decision-making processes and their implications for scientists. The fundamental issue is how can we get the right science, in an appropriate social context, to support environmental decision-making This question is considered by examining the issues surrounding the management of radioactive wastes. Specifically, the research looks at the qualities and culture of the geosciences in fostering participatory risk analyses. The primary aim of the work is to identify vehicles for debate in order to build a knowledge platform shared by a range of stakeholders. Social science theory is used to guide scientific practice in risk assessment. The thesis has been structured into three sections A literature review examining modern trends in the social framing of decisions and the management of risk An analysis of the specific case of radioactive waste management New studies exploring the implications of increased stakeholder engagement in evaluating the risks from the deep geological disposal of radioactive wastes. Overall, it is concluded that opportunities for developing and sharing knowledge between scientists, stakeholders and the public can and should be created. Because of the highly quantitative nature of risk analyses, this sharing is best addressed at a conceptual, qualitative level. Important considerations are that the knowledge building process is iterative and reflexive and that dialogue between participants begins early in the process. If an appropriate process is adopted, conceptual understanding can be used to support both social learning and quantitative analysis for expert regulation. A methodology for a participatory risk assessment for deep geological disposal is advanced. The research concludes that conceptual models can provide vehicles for debate, but the construction of a shared knowledge platform is more elusive.

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