In evaluating the likelihood of the adverse effects being realised, considerations are to be taken regarding the level and amount of exposure the likely potential receiving environment will have to the LMO.

After the potential adverse effects of the LMO have been identified, the risk assessment proceeds to a formal analysis of the likelihood and consequence of these effects with respect to the identified assessment endpoints.

Although the steps of evaluating likelihood and consequences are dealt with separately in Annex III of the Protocol, some risk assessment approaches consider these steps simultaneously or in reverse order.