The Swiss voice in the world since 1935

Inflation, extreme weather and wars identified as top global risks

Shopping basket of food
The escalating cost of food and other goods is putting an increasing strain on many societies. © Keystone / Gaetan Bally

Global stability is most threatened by rising food and energy costs, climate-related disasters and the risk of further military conflict, according to 1,200 experts canvassed by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

The WEF Global Risks Report 2023 reflects the concerns of political and business leaders around the world.

The soaring cost of living has been tagged as the most pressing concern within the next two years, followed by natural disasters and ‘Geoeconomic confrontation’ – or warfare.

The list of short-term risks has changed from the last report, issued in January 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the impact this has had on energy and food prices.

On a ten-year horizon, environmental threats dominate the top four positions, topped by ‘Failure to mitigate climate change’.

Experts who contributed to the report are also concerned by the growing threat of cybercrime in both the short-term and long run.

“The short-term risk landscape is dominated by energy, food, debt and disasters,” said WEF Managing Director Saadia Zahidi in the 18th Global Risks Report. “In this already toxic mix of known and rising global risks, a new shock event, from a new military conflict to a new virus, could become unmanageable.”

More


Popular Stories

Most Discussed

News

ICRC says the next few days will be "decisive" for aid to Gaza

More

ICRC says next few days will be ‘decisive’ for aid to Gaza

This content was published on The next few days will be absolutely decisive if the Geneva-based International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to continue providing aid in the Gaza Strip, said its director-general Pierre Krähenbühl.

Read more: ICRC says next few days will be ‘decisive’ for aid to Gaza
Nestlé: French authorities order withdrawal of filtration

More

French authorities order Nestlé to remove its filtration system

This content was published on Authorities in the south of France have served formal notice to Nestlé Waters, a subsidiary of the Swiss food giant, to "withdraw within two months" its microfiltration system for its Perrier mineral water.

Read more: French authorities order Nestlé to remove its filtration system
The referendum against the introduction of the e-ID is successful

More

Switzerland to hold referendum on introducing electronic ID

This content was published on The Swiss are set to vote on the introduction of e-ID after the Federal Chancellery confirmed enough valid signatures were submitted by opponents of the federal law on electronic identity.

Read more: Switzerland to hold referendum on introducing electronic ID

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR