Risk vs. Risk: Tradeoffs in Protecting Health and the Environment

John Graham and Jonathan Wiener develop their thesis that unless risk tradeoffs are considered in reducing risks, well intentioned, costly measures may fail to deliver the expected protection of the environment, safety or health. In brief, Graham and Wiener begin by describing a framework for ‘risk tradeoff analysis, ‘ then document the significance and complexity of risk tradeoffs in a range of real-world issues, and conclude by proposing a holistic approach to reducing risk. Professionals and policymakers engaged in risk management and risk communication will find this book illuminating and immensely useful.–Mona S. Rowe “Health Physics Society”

One would be hard pressed to find a more important topic than risk tradeoff. Whether addressing the health of individuals or the ecosystem of the planet, Graham and Wiener advocate a proactive, holistic approach rather than heuristic, piecemeal reactions to emergencies-of-the-month…an important, even pathbreaking book.–James B. Lane “Political Science Quarterly”

This book goes well beyond most of the extant risk analysis works currently available…Professionals and policymakers should find this volume quite useful and thought provoking…This work might also begin a dialogue that will help develop a more holistic way of thinking about our problems and stimulate demand for a more democratic and informed policymaking process.–John S. Klemanski “Perspectives on Political Science”

Jonathan Baert Wiener is Perkins Professor of Law, Professor of Environmental Policy & Public Policy Studies in the School of Law and the School of Environment, Duke University. He is also Director of the JD-LLM Program in International & Comparative Law, and Faculty Committee Chair, of the Nicholas Institute.

Cass R. Sunstein is Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard Law School. Recently named Senior Counselor to the US Department of Homeland Security, he is the author of many books, including Conformity and How Change Happens.