WEF Global Risk Report 2025 – Global Risiks and Challenges
4 February 2025

The WEF Global Risk Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum (WEF) highlights the evolving global risks for the coming years. Based on a comprehensive survey of over 900 international experts from business, politics, and academia, the report examines both short-term and long-term challenges.

Key Findings of the Global Risk Report 2025

1. Increasing Global Uncertainty

According to the report, 52% of respondents expect an unsettled global landscape in the next two years, while 62% foresee rising geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty over the next decade.

2. Geopolitical and Geoeconomic Tensions

The geopolitical situation remains unstable, with state-led conflicts topping the list of current risks. The escalation of existing conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan, has further exacerbated global security concerns.

3. Technological Challenges and Disinformation

The increasing proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI has heightened the risk of disinformation and cybercrime. Misinformation, targeted manipulation, and cyberattacks threaten democratic processes and economic stability.

4. Environmental Crises as the Most Pressing Long-Term Threat

The effects of climate change are no longer just a long-term concern but an immediate reality. Extreme weather events, environmental pollution, and biodiversity loss rank among the most severe risks through 2035.

Short-Term Risks Until 2027

  • State-led conflicts (e.g., Ukraine, Middle East, Africa)
  • Extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and storms
  • Geoeconomic confrontations due to sanctions and trade wars
  • Social polarization within societies
  • Disinformation and fake news, amplified by generative AI

Long-Term Risks Until 2035

  • Climate change and environmental destruction as a dominant threat
  • AI and biotechnology risks from uncontrolled technological advancements
  • Social inequality and demographic challenges due to an aging global population
  • Resource shortages and biodiversity loss

Solutions and Required Actions

To mitigate risks, the report calls for enhanced international cooperation, investments in sustainable technologies, and unified regulations for AI and cybersecurity. Businesses and governments must develop strategies to become more resilient to global crises.

Conclusion

The WEF Global Risk Report 2025 presents a bleak outlook for the global landscape but simultaneously emphasizes the necessity for collective efforts in risk mitigation. Particularly, climate change, geopolitical tensions, and technological progress require innovative and multilateral solutions. Only through joint action can a sustainable and secure future be ensured.