Approaching Systemic Risks

In recent years systemic risks have been discussed as a novel risk type that is closely related to the increasing complexity and interconnectedness of globalised societies and for which the established routines of risk management are likely to fail. Systemic risks challenge the classic approach of calculating probabilities and the extent of losses as the basis for risk relevant decisions as well as the principle of cortaining the impacts of an anticipated risk event - a principle that still dominates most concepts of risk management. This introductory article to the thematic focus systemic risks in the current issue of GAIA presents a general characterisation of systemic risks on the basis of the current state of risk research. it then draws conclusions for specific demands on risk analysis, risk management, and risk communication. The argumentation focuses on the issue of side effects, as well as on the processes of risk amplification by means of risk relocation and risk communication.