Global Risks Report 2025: Geopolitical Tensions and Climate Change Top Concerns
According to the 20th edition of the Global Risks Report, published by the World Economic Forum, the current geopolitical situation places armed conflicts at the center of global concerns for 2025. Amidst the Russian invasion of Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East and Sudan, armed conflicts, including civil wars, coups, and terrorism, now occupy the top spot among global risks identified for the coming year, with 23% of respondents ranking them as their top concern.
This risk, which ranked eighth last year, reflects the escalation of geopolitical tensions worldwide. These tensions are also associated with increased geo-economic confrontations, such as sanctions, tariffs, and investment restrictions, ranked third by 11% of respondents. These mechanisms, often exacerbated by economic inequalities and growing social polarization, are rising among major concerns for 2025.
Extreme climate events, such as forest fires in Canada and hurricanes Helene and Milton in the United States, continue to worry, with 14% of respondents identifying this risk as a priority. Floods, fires, heatwaves, and increasingly frequent hurricanes highlight the growing consequences of climate change, aggravated by the persistent dependence on fossil fuels. These phenomena, observed worldwide, underscore the urgency of ambitious and concerted climate action.
On the societal front, risks such as disinformation and social polarization (also 6%) figure among the top threats. The rapid spread of false or misleading information amplifies global risks, whether related to conflicts or natural disasters. Moreover, issues like unemployment (3%), erosion of human rights, and inequalities (2%) continue to weaken societies, fueling a sense of division and vulnerability.
On the economic front, economic slowdown remains a concern, with 5% of respondents ranking it as a key threat for 2025. Although inflation raises fewer concerns than in 2024, the prospect of recession or economic stagnation continues to weigh heavily on outlooks for the coming year. This risk is particularly worrying for young people: it is ranked third by those under 30 and fourth by those aged 30-39.
In the long term, the report's analyses highlight an even more uncertain future. Without immediate collective action, the risks identified for 2025 could intensify by 2035. All risks listed in the study see their severity increase over a ten-year period, underscoring the urgency of cooperation among stakeholders to build a more resilient and sustainable future.
