The poll of more than 900 global risk experts, policymakers and industry leaders showed that the majority of respondents, 52%, are anticipating an ‘unsettled’ global outlook over the next two years
Global economies are FACING declining optimism amid growing concerns about the impact of armed conflicts, according to an influential report.
However, climate-induced extreme weather remains the paramount worry for the future, according to insights from the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) annual global risk report. Published just before Davos’s next week summit, the report cites growing global uncertainty spurred by geopolitical tensions. “Optimism is limited as the danger of miscalculation or misjudgement by political and military action,” the document cautions.
More than 900 experts believe we’re heading into an “unsettled” period over the next two years, with a majority of 52% bracing for shaky prospects. This unease ties back to potential shifts in trade policies and Donald Trump’s hinted tariffs.
Additionally, a turbulent patch is anticipated by 31% of surveyed respondents, paralleling recent upheavals from major elections, Middle East strife, and Ukraine’s ongoing conflict. Topping immediate economic dangers for 2025, the study notes state-based armed conflicts, with almost a quarter singling out warfare as a prime concern amid intensifying geopolitical strain.
Mirek Dusek, managing director of the World Economic Forum, has voiced concerns about global stability, stating: “Many respondents expect a stormy or turbulent outlook for the next two years. That seems to indicate that there is this sense of uncertainty around the future.”
“We can assume this is also connected to the fact we live in a very complex geopolitical environment – we unfortunately have a record number of conflicts around the world.”
The report further highlighted the growing threats of misinformation and disinformation due to the rapid advancement of AI (artificial intelligence). Looking ahead, environmental issues are set to dominate the next decade’s challenges, with extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem collapse at the forefront.
