The 20th edition of the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report paints a stark picture of the challenges threatening global stability. The report identifies escalating geopolitical tensions and environmental degradation as critical risks. Societal polarization and technological disruptions also shape the global risks for 2025 and beyond.
IMMEDIATE RISKS: STATE CONFLICT AND DISINFORMATION
The report highlights state-based armed conflict as the most pressing global risk for 2025. Among the experts, 25% rank it as the top concern in the list of global risks 2025.
- Persistent misinformation and disinformation emerge as significant risks for the second consecutive year, undermining societal trust and governance.
- Other immediate risks include:
- Extreme weather events
- Societal polarization
- Cyber-espionage and warfare
ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS DOMINATE THE LONG-TERM OUTLOOK
1. Top Environmental Threats
Over the next decade, environmental risks occupy five of the top ten spots in the risk rankings. These explicit rankings highlight the severe global risks in 2025.
- Extreme weather events (immediate, short-term, and long-term concern)
- Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse
- Critical changes to Earth systems
- Natural resource shortages
- Pollution
2. Pollution as a Dual Threat
Ranked sixth among short-term risks, pollution’s impact on health and ecosystems is increasingly recognized as a global risk challenge for 2025.
TECHNOLOGICAL RISKS: DISINFORMATION AND AI CONCERNS
Technological disruptions are projected to compound the global risks in the long term. This is particularly true for disruptions related to misinformation, disinformation, and adverse outcomes of AI technologies, which are crucial global risks for 2025.
GLOBAL COOPERATION AT RISK: A DECISIVE DECADE
1. Increasing Global Instability
Over half of the report’s respondents foresee global instability within the next two years, driven by societal risks like inequality and polarization. These are notable global risks 2025.
- Societal risks like inequality and polarization
- Economic vulnerabilities like illicit activities and mounting debt
- Resource concentration and geopolitical competition
2. Collaboration as the Key to Stability
With 64% of experts predicting a fragmented global order by 2035, multilateralism faces significant strain. Yet, experts emphasize that collaboration is essential to tackle the situation and beyond.
EXPERT INSIGHTS: THE CALL FOR ACTION
Mirek Dušek, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, stresses that rising geopolitical tensions are reshaping global risks. Global cooperation is crucial in addressing the global risks 2025. Fractured trust is also contributing to this change. He emphasizes the need for leaders to foster collaboration and resilience to prevent escalating vulnerabilities.
Mark Elsner, Head of the Global Risks Initiative, echoes this sentiment. He highlights the interconnected nature of crises. He emphasizes the necessity of coordinated global action to secure a sustainable future and mitigate the key global risks for 2025.
ABOUT THE GLOBAL RISKS REPORT
The Global Risks Report, now in its 20th edition, is produced by the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Initiative. The report draws on insights from over 900 global leaders. It identifies and analyzes critical risks across immediate, short-, and long-term horizons. It serves as a vital resource for equipping leaders with foresight to address emerging challenges and build resilience in terms of global risks faced by 2025.