The online service Risk Know-How was launched at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting on Friday, 16 February. It aims to help communities that face threats such as disease outbreaks, extreme weather events and risks associated with artificial intelligence to share experience and obtain specialist advice.
The platform is organised around the Risk Know-How Framework, which summarises key concepts for understanding risk information. Groups can request support to connect with others, secure funding or take part in training, but they must share their experience through the platform.
The site shares case studies from different countries. One example is Ciencia Puerto Rico’s campaign “Here we take care of ourselves”, which used bakeries to provide information and supplies and worked with a sign language interpreter for deaf people. Another case in Kenya trains journalists and community leaders in risk communication. Some experts warn against oversimplifying complex topics, while others welcome the focus on conversation with communities.
The article was updated on 23 February 2024 to correct the spelling of Leonor Sierra.
Difficult words
- platform — online system or website for sharing information
- framework — set of ideas that explain something
- outbreak — sudden start of a disease in a groupoutbreaks
- case study — detailed example used to show a situationcase studies
- interpreter — person who translates spoken language for others
- oversimplify — to make a problem seem easier than it isoversimplifying
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you seen a local campaign that used unusual places (like bakeries) to share information? Describe it briefly.
- Do you think communities should share their experience online to get support? Why or why not?
- How can training journalists and community leaders help when a community faces a risk? Give one or two reasons.
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