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Glossary Term

Risk

Definition

The potential for negative consequences where something of value is at stake. In the context of the assessment of climate impacts, the term risk is often used to refer to the potential for adverse consequences of a climate-related hazard. Risk can be assessed by multiplying the probability of a hazard by the magnitude of the negative consequence or loss

Example

Warehouses sited on a floodplain represent a higher risk for flooding when they are filled with products than when they are empty. Risk also generally increases with proximity to floodways.