- State-based armed conflict is the most immediate global risk in 2025.
- Environmental risks remain dominant in long-term projections.
- Over 62% foresee a turbulent global outlook for the next decade.
- Extreme weather events significantly impact economies and societies worldwide.
- Growing societal polarization and misinformation amplify global instability.
As the world steps into 2025, leaders are confronting a sobering risk landscape shaped by pressing geopolitical, environmental, and societal challenges. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2025, state-based armed conflict emerges as the most imminent global threat, highlighting the growing fragility of international relations.
The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report is based on the Global Risks Perception Survey (GRPS), reflecting the views of global experts and leaders surveyed in late 2024. It paints a stark picture of escalating instability, with over 31% of respondents expecting greater turbulence and 5% predicting catastrophic risks in the short term. This underscores an increasingly pessimistic outlook for the decade ahead.
The 2025 Global Risks Report reveals a striking shift in risk perception compared to recent years. State-based armed conflict, identified by 23% of respondents as the most pressing risk, marks a departure from previous concerns dominated by environmental and societal issues. This change comes amid rising geopolitical tensions, with experts comparing the current era to the divisions of the Cold War.
Environmental Risks Continue to Dominate
While state-based conflicts dominate the short-term outlook, environmental risks remain the key concern for the long term, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report. Extreme weather events, driven by climate change, are ranked as the second most pressing risk for 2025. According to the report, 14% of respondents highlighted their significant impact, with events such as severe floods and wildfires already causing widespread damage to communities and economies.
The frequency and intensity of these weather events are expected to rise, further exacerbating challenges for vulnerable populations. Rising sea levels, droughts, and heatwaves are predicted to displace millions, placing additional strain on governments and international organizations.
Looking ahead, environmental threats like biodiversity loss and resource crises continue to be major concerns. Depletion of natural resources, along with deforestation and habitat destruction, is accelerating the loss of biodiversity, which undermines ecosystems, agriculture, and human health.
Experts stress that climate change and environmental degradation are deeply intertwined with other global risks. Worsening climate conditions will likely intensify societal tensions, economic instability, and political conflicts. Addressing these risks is crucial not only for protecting the planet but also for ensuring global stability and the well-being of future generations.
Societal Instability on the Rise
Misinformation and societal polarization, cited by 7% of respondents each, are amplifying divisions within and between nations. These factors not only hinder effective governance but also contribute to a fragmented global landscape. Moreover, the erosion of human rights and growing inequality further complicate efforts to foster cooperation and stability.
Economic and Technological Challenges
Economic downturns and critical technology failures are also significant concerns. As economies recover from the shocks of the past decade, the risk of recession looms large, threatening livelihoods and deepening disparities.
Technological risks, though less immediate, pose long-term challenges as societies grapple with the rapid pace of digital transformation and its potential vulnerabilities.
Global Sentiment: A Turbulent Decade Ahead
The findings of the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2025 reveal an overarching sense of unease about the future. Nearly two-thirds of respondents foresee a turbulent or stormy outlook over the next 10 years, reflecting growing skepticism about the world’s ability to manage interconnected crises effectively.
“We are living in one of the most divided times since the Cold War,” the report notes, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address these challenges.
As the global risk landscape evolves, the findings of the 2025 Global Risks Report serve as a wake-up call for leaders and policymakers. Addressing these multifaceted risks requires a coordinated effort that transcends borders and sectors. From mitigating climate change to fostering geopolitical stability, the path forward demands resilience, innovation, and collaboration.