WEF report cites conflict, environment, disinformation as key risks in 2025
The World Economic Forum’s 20th annual Global Risks Report highlights a fragmented global landscape marked by rising geopolitical, environmental, and technological risks. The report, based on insights from over 900 global leaders, experts, and policymakers, emphasises the growing need for coordinated action to address these pressing challenges.
The report, the flagship publication of the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Initiative, provides critical insights into emerging threats, equipping leaders across government, business, and civil society with foresight for navigating complex global risks. The report remains a vital resource for understanding the evolving global landscape and fostering resilience through collective action.
State-based armed conflicts have been identified as the most critical immediate risk for 2025, with nearly 25 per cent of respondents expressing concern over escalating geopolitical tensions. The report notes a clear shift towards geopolitical fragmentation and increasing competition between global powers.
Disinformation and misinformation continue to pose significant risks in the short term, ranking as the leading threats for the second consecutive year. Their impact on societal cohesion, governance, and public trust makes addressing this issue a critical priority. Alongside this, risks such as extreme weather events, cyber threats, societal polarization, and espionage are also identified as major concerns for the near future.
Environmental issues dominate the 10-year outlook, with extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse, and resource shortages among the top risks. Pollution also ranks prominently, highlighting growing awareness of its health and ecological effects. Notably, extreme weather events are viewed as persistent threats across immediate, short-, and long-term horizons, reflecting their escalating severity and frequency.
Technological risks also feature heavily in the long-term outlook, with concerns about misinformation, disinformation, and the potential adverse consequences of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
The report paints a stark picture of the next decade, with almost two-thirds of respondents forecasting a turbulent and unstable global environment by 2035. Heightened societal and environmental challenges are expected to test international cooperation mechanisms, which are already under strain.
Over 50 per cent of respondents anticipate instability within the next two years, driven by rising economic vulnerabilities, growing inequality, and strategic resource concentration. Debt burdens and illicit economic activities are additional concerns that threaten to destabilize the global economy and exacerbate domestic unrest.
According to Mirek Dušek, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, “Rising geopolitical tensions and a breakdown of trust are shaping the risk landscape.” As mechanisms for cooperation come under mounting pressure, leaders are at a crossroads. They either need to foster collaboration and resilience or face escalating vulnerabilities.
Mark Elsner, Head of the Global Risks Initiative, emphasised the need for decisive action: “From conflicts to climate change, interconnected crises demand coordinated efforts. Rebuilding trust and enhancing cooperation are essential to preventing generational consequences.”
The report underscores the pivotal role of leadership in navigating these interconnected risks. Although 64 per cent of experts predict a fragmented global order defined by rivalry among middle and major powers, isolationism is not a viable solution. The decade ahead presents an opportunity for leaders to address governance limitations, rebuild trust, and foster cooperation to ensure a stable and sustainable future.