Extreme Weather and Misinformation Pose Global Crisis Risk, Says WEF Survey

Risk specialists at the World Economic Forum (WEF) have identified extreme weather and misinformation as the top global risks that could trigger a crisis in the next few years. In a survey released on Wednesday, it was found that extreme weather was the biggest risk in 2024, while misinformation and disinformation ranked second and were considered the most severe global risk over the next two years. With billions of people set to participate in the largest election year in history, the prevalence of misinformation could pose a significant threat to newly elected governments. The report warned that this could lead to various forms of unrest, ranging from violent protests to terrorism. The survey also revealed that environmental risks, biodiversity loss, and adverse outcomes of artificial intelligence were ranked highly over a 10-year horizon. Additionally, two-thirds of risk experts surveyed expect a multipolar or fragmented world order to emerge in the next decade. The WEF gathering in Davos, scheduled for next week, will occur amidst a complex geopolitical backdrop, including conflicts and rising costs. The survey’s pessimistic outlook reflects the series of risks experienced in recent years, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions. The experts emphasized the impact of these events on global supply chains. The report serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing these global risks to ensure a stable and prosperous future.