Risk Analysis and Uncertainty
Discussions about climate change, natural disasters, and financial markets often center on risk management, highlighting the extreme losses that can occur. Research at RFF focuses on ways to quantify and reduce uncertainty, as well as detect, mitigate, and transfer the risk associated with disasters and climate change.
Latest Publications
Journal Article
Flood Risk Perceptions and Insurance Choice: Do Decisions in the Floodplain Reflect Overoptimism?
In the presence of rare disasters, risk perceptions may not always align with actual risks. These perceptions can nevertheless influence an individual's willingness to mitigate risks through activities such as purchasing flood insurance

Report
PHMSA’s 2015 Tank Car Rule: Should It Stay or Should It Go?
As part of a series examining US oil and gas sector regulations, this report analyzes the costs and benefits of repealing or modifying a Department of Transportation rule to improve the safety of railroad tank cars carrying crude oil and ethanol.
Journal Article
The Role of Subjective Risk Perceptions in Shaping Coastal Development Dynamics
Latest Events
Workshops & Seminars
The Confidence Trap and Dysfunctional Dialogues about Climate Change: ETH Zurich

Workshops & Seminars
Disasters, Resilience, and the "Cure" for Catastrophe
At this RFF event, Robert Muir-Wood, chief research officer of Risk Management Solutions and author of The Cure for Catastrophe: How We Can Stop Manufacturing Natural Disasters, explored the human causes of disaster and the new technologies and policy tools available to minimize their impact.
Webinar
Managing Risk: The Case of Wastewater Storage in Shale Gas Development
Experts discussed new research on the risks associated with storage pits versus tanks, and the choices states have made to regulate storage options.