Risk management and governance: a post-normal science approach

In this essay we consider the problems of risks and governance in the light of three well-known examples: the 'Seveso' accident involving dioxin; the BSE epidemic; and the licensing of genetically modified maize. These form a natural progression, from hazards that are 'classical', manageable mainly by 'applied science', to those that are totally post-normal. The new hazard s typified by genetically modified maize, but including many others such as untested toxic chemicals, pose serious challenges to governance. The erosi on of trust in the established institutions could lead to paralysis of inno vation and also of government. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights re served.