Risk and Responsibilisation in Public Communication: The Global Challenges of COVID-19 and Climate Change

This book explores the connections between risk and responsibilisation in official communication to the public about the global risks of the pandemic and climate change.

Format: Hardback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 23 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The book delves into the intricate connections between risk and responsibilisation in official communication to the public regarding the global risks posed by the pandemic and climate change. In the 2020s, our media landscapes have been inundated with information on the actions we should or should not take to address these pressing challenges. While the role of risk communication in 'responsibilising the public is paramount to its effectiveness in our societies, this aspect has received limited academic attention. To address this gap, Antoinette Fage-Butler employs a discursive approach to risk communication that centres on the values conveyed in risk messages. Through a comprehensive analysis of official risk communication about the pandemic and climate change from national and transnational contexts, the book yields novel empirical findings and theoretical insights into the nature of risk and responsibilisation. Moreover, Fage-Butler builds upon recent developments in the evolving field of risk communication, emphasising the significance of cultural and value-related factors. Overall, this book provides researchers with a comprehensive approach to risk communication that adequately reflects the complexity of today's global risk challenges.

Risk and Responsibilisation in Public Communication is a valuable resource for students and scholars engaged in the fields of risk communication, public health, and environmental studies. The book offers a comprehensive exploration of the relationships between risk and responsibilisation in official communication, providing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with addressing global risks.

One of the key strengths of the book is its discursive approach to risk communication. By focusing on the values communicated in risk messages, Fage-Butler enables a deeper understanding of the ways in which risk is constructed and interpreted by the public. This approach helps to challenge the dominant narratives surrounding risk and promotes a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of risk management.

The book's analysis of official risk communication about the pandemic and climate change is insightful and comprehensive. Through a comparative analysis of risk messages from different national and transnational contexts, Fage-Butler identifies common themes and patterns in risk communication strategies. This analysis provides valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to risk communication and highlights the importance of cultural and value-related factors in shaping public attitudes and behaviours.

In addition to its theoretical contributions, the book also offers practical implications for risk communication practitioners. By providing a framework for analysing risk messages and identifying effective strategies for communicating risk, the book enables practitioners to develop more effective and culturally sensitive risk communication strategies. This is particularly important in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, where the need for clear and consistent risk communication has been underscored.

Overall, Risk and Responsibilisation in Public Communication is a timely and important contribution to the field of risk communication. The book's discursive approach, comprehensive analysis, and practical implications make it a valuable resource for students, scholars, and practitioners alike. By promoting a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of risk and responsibilisation, the book contributes to the development of more effective and sustainable risk management strategies in our increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032483399