1. What is risk? Definitions

OED (https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/risk):
  1. A situation involving exposure to danger.
  2. The possibility that something unpleasant or unwelcome will happen.

Miriam Webster (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/risk):
  1. Someone or something that creates or suggests a hazard.
  2. possibility of loss or injury.

2. Risky situations?

What are the possible risks in these images? Think carefully and try to write down as many ideas as possible: do not be satisfied with just one idea and aim to explain your thoughts fully. Think about natural risks first but there may be other factors to consider as well as nature. 
1. Bali

​2. Norfolk, UK

3. Jakarta

4. Seattle

5. Niger

6. Oregon

7. Tokyo

8. Miami

9. The Maldives

3. Relative risk - diamond nine

Complete a diamond nine with the nine locations above (if you click on each image you can learn more about one major risk in each area).

Consider the following to help you decide
  • Place- Where is the risk?
  • Scale - How big is the risk?  Does this risk affect a large area
  • Processes-What causes the risk? How often might the risk happen?
  • Who is affected?  What is the cost - social/ economic/ environmental?  
​Use the google slide below to help (click on the image to open it).

4. Definitions

Now think...

How would you define each of the following. There are important differences - think carefully!
  • Risk
  • Natural Hazard
  • Natural Disaster
  • Natural Event