ABSTRACT
Transboundary risks have gained significant public attention over the past decade, particularly since the Chernobyl accident and the resulting spread of nuclear fallout throughout Europe. In addition, the recent debate about global climatic changes and the ongoing debate about acid rain have contributed to a worldwide awareness about cross-national risks. The issue of transboundary risk touches upon the main concepts of fairness and equity (Renn et al., 1996). The risks originate in one country, the effects materialize in another country. There are controversies about the health impacts, long-term consequences, institutional trust, cultural values, and economic disadvantages associated with transboundary risks. However, the main focus of the debate is on institutional mechanisms that guarantee international cooperation and trust (Slovic et al., 1993). Hence the perceptions of risk and fairness are the driving agents of the debate.
