Impacts of Security Risks Conference in Wellington
Announcement by the Royal Society of New Zealand
Friday 20 October 2005
The management and impacts of security risks such as bird flu, didymo (rock snot) or internet hazards will come under
the spotlight at the Royal Society of New Zealand Conference, Science and Security - informing New Zealand, in
Wellington on Thursday 17 November.
"One of things that has occurred since September 11 is an increased awareness of terrorism," said conference organising
committee chair Professor Brian Robinson. "But as far as we're concerned that is a minor concern for this country - a
flu pandemic is a much more major risk. A bird flu epidemic, or something similar, could completely alter the lifestyle
of us all, and the way in which we handle such a threat could be very important economically."
Other particularly high risks for New Zealand include earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, Professor Robinson added. "If
there's a major volcanic eruption 50-100 people might die, but you also won't have any agriculture in that area for
about three years. That's where you need the science - and the social science side of handling these threats is
non-existent in this country."
The day-long conference will consider the broader concepts of security and provide a platform for ongoing discussion and
improved decision-making. It will focus on how to quantify risk, compare between risks, and mitigate against all
national security issues.
ENDS