shift the emphasis in the topic from liability on the basis of causing harm to that on the basis of conducting activities involving risk, Accorciing to this view, risk should play no role in compensationt otherwise it would be incompatible with the principle that the innocent victim should not be left alone to bear the loss. According to this view, the concept of risk was only ralevant to obligations of prevention and for that there was no need to have a list; a general definition of risk would suffice, 483. In sununarizing the debate, the Special Rapporteur noted that his intention in proposing a list of dangerous substances was only to give mora precise meaning to the concept of “significant risk” for activities involving risk. The list of dangerous substances did not apply to activities with harmful effects. He did not believe such a list would havs any impact on the scope of the topic. Nor did he feel that an “exhaustive” list would automatically deLermine that an activity was one involving a “signiClc&nt risk of transboundary harm”. An assessment of the risk was always necessaryr - 250 -many factors had to be taken into account. A dangerous substance miqht cause risk of harm in the territory of the State of origin, but not traasboundary harm when it was located too far from the borders of the neighbouring States or a dangerous substance might be used in such Y small quantity that iL would not pose a risk of any transboundry harm. Therefore, regardless of whether the list was purported to be exhaustive, there must always be an assessment of the risk taking into account the circumstances in which a substance was being used. 2. lChaatetssnB? -hv..the (a) Chapter I,Oeneral provisions Articla_lo Bc.fawA~Uti~ and Bru. lIlwse-taunam/
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing international law and environmental policy, specifically related to the concept of risk and its application to activities that may cause transboundary harm. The language used is formal and technical, suggesting a legal or academic context. The text also references international instruments and organizations, such as the Special Rapporteur, which further supports this analysis.

**Category**
Natural resources and environment, Science and technology