The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Risks Report 2025 identifies armed conflict and climate change-induced extreme weather as the most significant threats to the global economy this year.
Released ahead of the WEF’s annual meeting in Davos, the report highlights that 23% of surveyed experts, policymakers, and industry leaders view state-based armed conflict as the most likely risk to trigger a global crisis in 2025.
Another 14% identified extreme weather events driven by climate change as the greatest threat.
The report defines global risks as conditions that could severely impact global GDP, population, or natural resources. Over 900 experts participated in the survey, conducted in September and October, offering insights into both short-term and long-term challenges.
Misinformation and disinformation remain the most severe risks for the next two years, followed by extreme weather events and armed conflict. Looking further ahead, concerns shift to extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, critical changes to the Earth’s systems, and resource shortages.
The survey reveals widespread pessimism about the global outlook, with 52% of respondents anticipating an “unsettled” period in the next two years, 31% predicting turbulence, and 5% expecting a stormy environment. Combined, these responses represent an increase in pessimism compared to last year.
The report emphasizes the urgent need for global collaboration to address deepening divides and cascading risks. Discussions at the upcoming Davos meeting will focus on pressing global issues, including conflicts in the Middle East and ongoing humanitarian crises.
