Making visible the less visible – how the use of an uncertainty-based risk perspective affects risk attenuation and risk amplification

We show how an uncertainty-based perspective on risk conceptualization and characterization affects attenuation and amplification: two concepts described in the Social Amplification of Risk Framework (SARF). Compared to more traditional ways of considering risk, an uncertainty-based risk perspective has a stronger focus on uncertainties and the knowledge, supporting assigned probabilities and risk assessment results. This way of relating to risks has implications for processes described in the SARF. Adopting an uncertainty-based perspective on risk may inject some amplification into risk assessment and management processes. We argue that, in relation to risk problems characterized by complexity, uncertainty and conflicting values, an uncertainty-based understanding of risk can improve assessment and management processes and practice in ways that can prevent attenuation from occurring and/or spreading. Based on an analysis of a case regarding the authorization and regulation of feed additives, we propose an extension of the SARF to better cover attenuation processes and to allow more comprehensive analyses.