Global Risks Report 2025: A World on the Brink
The world stands at a precipice, facing a confluence of interconnected risks that threaten global stability and prosperity. According to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) latest Global Risks Report, armed conflict, extreme weather events, and disinformation campaigns top the list of concerns for the year ahead. These interconnected challenges paint a stark picture of a world grappling with increasing geopolitical tensions, a fracturing of global trust, and the escalating consequences of the climate crisis. As global leaders convene in Davos for the WEF’s annual meeting, the report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for collaboration and resilience in the face of mounting global instability.
The report, based on a survey of over 900 global risk experts, policymakers, and industry leaders, categorizes risks across three time horizons: short-term (2025), short-to-medium term (2027), and long-term (2035). A striking 23% of respondents identified state-based armed conflict as the most pressing concern for 2025, a significant shift from just two years ago when this risk was largely overlooked. This reflects the escalating geopolitical landscape, exacerbated by conflicts such as the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, as depicted in recent images of devastation in Gaza. The rise of misinformation and disinformation, ranked as a top short-term risk for the second consecutive year, further complicates the global landscape, eroding trust and fueling societal polarization.
The looming shadow of the climate crisis dominates the long-term risk outlook. Extreme weather events, including heatwaves, floods, and tornadoes, feature prominently in both short-term and long-term risk assessments. The increasing frequency and intensity of these events, driven by climate change, pose a significant threat to global infrastructure, economies, and human lives. The interconnectedness of these risks is a key takeaway from the report. For instance, climate change can exacerbate existing conflicts by creating resource scarcity and displacement, while disinformation campaigns can undermine efforts to address climate change and other pressing global challenges.
The WEF report underscores the severity of the current global situation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the world faces the highest number of conflicts since World War II, citing conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa. The report echoes these concerns, highlighting the increasing fragmentation of the global landscape and the rise of economic tensions. This fragmented world presents a complex and uncertain operating environment for businesses and policymakers alike.
The interconnected nature of these risks creates a complex web of challenges that are difficult to navigate. Carolina Klint, chief commercial officer at Marsh McLennan Europe, emphasizes the interconnectedness of these risks, describing the global risk landscape as a “squirrel’s nest” where risks are layered upon each other, making the business environment incredibly challenging. She points out that these risks are not necessarily new but are becoming increasingly aggressive, highlighting the growing economic tensions and the tangible impact of global fragmentation on trade and commerce.
The WEF’s Global Risks Report serves as a call to action for global leaders. The choices they make in the coming years will determine whether the world descends further into instability or builds a more resilient and collaborative future. The stakes, as the report emphasizes, have never been higher. The time for decisive action to address these interconnected risks and build a more sustainable and secure future is now. The report’s findings provide a crucial framework for understanding the challenges ahead and inform the critical discussions that will take place at the Davos meeting and beyond.