
Global Risks Report 2023
11 January 2023
Summary
The world faces a set of risks that feel both wholly new and eerily familiar. The Global Risks Report 2023 explores some of the most severe risks we may face over the next decade. As we stand on the edge of a low-growth and low-cooperation era, tougher trade-offs risk eroding climate action, human development and future resilience. Contents: Executive Summary Chapter 1: Global Risks 2023: Today’s Crisis 1.1 Current crises 1.2 The path to 2025 Cost-of-living crisis Economic downturn Economic warfare Climate action hiatus Societal polarization 1.3 Looking ahead Endnotes Chapter 2: Global Risks 2033: Tomorrow’s Catastrophes 2.1 The world in 2033 2.2 Natural ecosystems: past the point of no return 2.3 Human health: perma-pandemics and chronic capacity challenges 2.4 Human security: new weapons, new conflicts 2.5 Digital rights: privacy in peril 2.6 Economic stability: global debt distress Endnotes Chapter 3: Resource Rivalries: Four Emerging Futures 3.1 Anticipating “polycrises” 3.2 Polycrisis: natural resources, climate and cooperation 3.3 Four futures for 2030 Endnotes Chapter 4: Conclusion: is preparedness possible?