Human-induced risks

Human-induced risks may be the result of both deliberate or negligent actions by individuals or groups, but their impact can be equally as devastating.

The top human-induced risks facing Europe today include terrorism, nuclear and radiological accidents, epidemics and pandemics, cyber threats, disruptions to critical infrastructure, and industrial accidents.

Human-induced risks are being aggravated, and new risks are emerging, as a result of factors like climate change and technological advancement.

Climate change is resulting in an increase in extreme weather events, posing the risk of triggering industrial accidents, among other disasters. Meanwhile, cyber threats have become a major concern for Europe, as society’s increasing dependence on electronic networks and information systems is creating new opportunities for vital infrastructure to be targeted with cyber-attacks.

In addition to adverse events caused by natural disasters, Europe faces risks induced by human activity. These threats can be posed deliberately by individuals or groups, or they can result from malpractice or unintended consequences, such as industrial and chemical infrastructure-based accidents.