Which statement best reflects Krakauer's stance on disaster risk management?

Which statement best reflects Krakauer's stance on disaster risk management?

• A. Risk can be lowered through stricter protocols
• B. Risk is unchangeable
• C. Risk should be ignored
• D. Risk should be avoided by never attempting Everest

Answer: (A)

Krakauer argues that disaster risk in high-altitude climbing isn’t fixed or luck-driven; it can be reduced through stricter safety protocols and better decision-making. He highlights how organizational choices and individual judgments during the Everest expedition contributed to the tragedy, but also how many of those risks could be mitigated with clearer turnaround rules, improved communication, more conservative weather decisions, and disciplined adherence to safety thresholds. In other words, implementing stronger protocols and risk-management practices lowers the chances of a disaster, even though some danger remains inherent in such climbs. The other ideas—risk being unchangeable, ignoring risk, or avoiding Everest altogether—miss the point that thoughtful, enforced safety measures can meaningfully reduce risk without necessitating giving up the pursuit.

Krakauer argues that disaster risk in high-altitude climbing isn’t fixed or luck-driven; it can be reduced through stricter safety protocols and better decision-making. He highlights how organizational choices and individual judgments during the Everest expedition contributed to the tragedy, but also how many of those risks could be mitigated with clearer turnaround rules, improved communication, more conservative weather decisions, and disciplined adherence to safety thresholds. In other words, implementing stronger protocols and risk-management practices lowers the chances of a disaster, even though some danger remains inherent in such climbs. The other ideas—risk being unchangeable, ignoring risk, or avoiding Everest altogether—miss the point that thoughtful, enforced safety measures can meaningfully reduce risk without necessitating giving up the pursuit.