Leaders worldwide have expressed that the most pressing concern in 2025 is the escalation of armed conflicts, but the climate emergency is expected to dominate the next decade, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF).
Ahead of their annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, the WEF surveyed over 900 business, political, and academic leaders to assess global risks. As tensions rise, 23% of respondents highlighted “state-based armed conflict,” with Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and violent clashes in Sudan and Gaza being key factors.
The second most concerning risk for 2025, with 14% of respondents expressing concern, was “extreme weather events.” Devastating wildfires in Los Angeles are a stark reminder of the ongoing climate crisis. Last year saw a series of catastrophic floods, droughts, and fires, all intensified by global warming.
Looking beyond 2025, climate-related issues topped the list, with concerns about extreme weather, biodiversity loss, disruptions to Earth’s systems, and resource shortages all ranked highly.
Technological risks were also on the radar, including “misinformation and disinformation” and the potential dangers posed by artificial intelligence. The latter has raised alarm, with some experts warning about AI’s potential existential threat to humanity if it surpasses human intelligence.
This year’s Davos meeting will take place under the shadow of Donald Trump’s inauguration, with global leaders keen to discuss cooperation despite challenges on climate policy.
The world’s crises, from war to climate, and our silence
Narayana Murthy Warns of Climate Change Driving Mass Migration to Indian Cities
#globalrisks #climatecrisis #armedconflict #AIrisks