What is the top global risk according to the World Economic Forum survey?

Economic confrontation is now considered the top global risk by experts surveyed by the World Economic Forum.

How do environmental risks rank in the WEF survey?

Environmental risks have fallen in short-term concern rankings but remain a top three worry for the long term.

What are the long-term concerns about artificial intelligence (AI)?

Long-term worries about AI focus on its impact on jobs, society, and mental health due to weak governance.

Home / Business and Economy / Global Fears: Economic Confrontation Trumping War

Global Fears: Economic Confrontation Trumping War

14 Jan

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Summary

Economic confrontation is now the top global risk, surpassing armed conflict.
Environmental risks are less concerning in the short term.
AI's long-term impact on jobs and society is a growing worry.

Global Fears: Economic Confrontation Trumping War

Economic confrontation, characterized by trade wars and resource controls, has been identified as the paramount global risk, according to a recent World Economic Forum survey. This concern has surpassed that of armed conflict among more than 1,300 surveyed experts.

The immediate perceived risks related to environmental issues, such as extreme weather and pollution, have seen a notable decline in the survey's short-term outlook. However, these environmental factors re-emerge as top concerns when respondents consider the next decade.

Looking further ahead, artificial intelligence poses a significant long-term challenge. Anxiety surrounds the potential negative outcomes of AI technologies, particularly their impact on employment, societal structures, and mental health, ranking fifth in a 10-year projection.