Managing uncertainty: psychological issues are critical for risk policy

The target article ‘Risk analysis, uncertainty and innovation: what does this mean for the Dutch energy transition?’ advocates dropping use of the precautionary principle, proposing an alternative Tolerability of Risk (ToR) approach to foster both protection and innovation in the face of uncertain risks. Inclusion of stakeholder views and values is a key feature of ToR with fundamental appeal. However the status of public perceptions of risk is contentious. Evaluating and integrating potentially conflicting views into regulatory policy presents significant challenges.