Risk

Fishing Boat off Cape Arago, Oregon (barely visible at right)

In all manner of things, large and small, we weigh our risks. Do we bring our umbrella with us to the theater or walk in the light rain? Do we take the first parking space or try to find a closer one and risk losing our space? We process these types of risk/benefit decisions continually as these everyday decisions are thrown at us in the course of our lives. The relative weight we give these outcomes changes over time and by circumstance. For example, if we are fighting off a cold we may be more apt to bring the umbrella.

Larger risks represent greater challenges. The stakes are higher, more is on the line and the effect of the risk may be more difficult to quantify. In the image shown of the fishing boat off Cape Arago in rough weather, there are potential risks involving life and property with deteriorating conditions. The sturdiness of the vessel, condition of its engine and electronics and human elements all have impacts on the risk equation as do the emerging weather and sea conditions.

Major geological events present even greater risks, with very low probabilities of occurrence and severe loss potential. Haiti's 2010, 7.0 earthquake represents the actual realization of earthquake risk, expressed in its full and devastating horror. Before the 7.0 earthquake, there was earthquake potentiality. Afterward, there has been pain, loss and devastation, as the world continues to watch the situation unfold.

It has been heartening to see the global response, coming to the aid of Haiti. The World's hopes and wishes are with the people of Haiti and those providing relief. The Help for Haiti icon directs the reader to the White House site for Haiti Earthquake Relief.