The World Economic Forum (WEF) surveyed over 900 experts to determine the most critical short- and long-term risks facing the world.
This infographic, based on the WEF’s Global Risks Report, highlights the top 10 most impactful global risks over a short term (2 years) and long term (10 years).
Considering advancements in AI technology, trade tensions, and the impacts of climate change, the top 10 risks for 2027 are as follows:
| Rank | Short-Term Risks (2 Years) | Risk Category |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Misinformation and disinformation | Technological |
| 2 | Extreme weather events | Environmental |
| 3 | State-based armed conflict | Geopolitical |
| 4 | Societal polarization | Societal |
| 5 | Cyber espionage and warfare | Technological |
| 6 | Pollution | Environmental |
| 7 | Inequality | Societal |
| 8 | Involuntary migration or displacement | Societal |
| 9 | Geoeconomic confrontation | Geopolitical |
| 10 | Erosion of human rights and/or civic freedoms | Societal |
Misinformation and disinformation is the top risk for 2027, with AI-based content creation tools threatening the proliferation of fake news and misleading content.
The impacts of climate change are becoming more evident with frequent extreme weather events, the second-most impactful risk for 2027. These include wildfires, floods, hurricanes, and other natural disasters that leave lasting economic and social damage.
Other major short-term risks include state-based armed conflict, cyber warfare, and societal risks like polarization and inequality.
In the long term through 2035, environmental risks are expected to have the most impact globally.
| Rank | Long-Term Risks (10 Years) | Risk Category |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Extreme weather events | Environmental |
| 2 | Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse | Environmental |
| 3 | Critical change to Earth systems | Environmental |
| 4 | Natural resource shortages | Environmental |
| 5 | Misinformation and disinformation | Technological |
| 6 | Adverse outcomes of AI technologies | Technological |
| 7 | Inequality | Societal |
| 8 | Societal polarization | Societal |
| 9 | Cyber espionage and warfare | Technological |
| 10 | Pollution | Environmental |
Extreme weather events are projected to become even more of a concern by 2035, alongside other environmental risks like habitat changes and biodiversity loss. These are indirect impacts of climate change and rising global temperatures.
Geopolitical and societal risks have a declining influence over the long term. However, technological concerns from misinformation and the potential misuse of AI technologies will remain critical.
The report outlines various measures to mitigate these risks, including additional funding for climate action, global treaties to address armed conflict, and digital literacy campaigns against misinformation.
Credit: Visual Capitalist
