Solution-focused risk assessment

Adam Finkel has proposed “Solution-Focused Risk Assessment” (SFRA) to largely replace what he describes as “analysis run wild” in problem assessment. His major objective is to have detection of a “signal of harm” followed first with consideration of possible solutions jointly between risk assessors and risk managers. Rigorous risk assessment of the potential value of a broad range of solutions to decreasing risk would then ensue with what he believes will be greater likelihood of effective responses. Among the questions that need to be addressed in practice include how does SFRA differ from sustainability, the precautionary principle, environmental justice, public health, green chemistry, and similar proposals to improve environmental decision making; whether SFRA brings risk assessment too close to risk management; how will “signal of harm” be determined, and what would be a fair trial to determine if SFRA is of practical value?