And a cost-benefit analysis doesn't have to be complicated. You simply draw a line down the middle of a piece of paper to create two columns. On the left, list the benefits of achieving a given goal.

Leonard, Dutch, and Richard Zeckhauser. "Cost-Benefit Analysis Applied to Risks: Its Philosophy and Legitimacy." In Values at Risk, edited by Douglas MacLean. Totowa, NJ: Roman & Allanheld, 1985.

If you would like to learn more about the IAEA’s work, sign up for our weekly updates containing our most important news, multimedia and more.

UDRI's Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) researchers rapidly and affordably perform quality cost benefit analyses by using an empirical, objective, and data-driven assessment of costs, benefits, and risks.