
The worsening of geopolitical tensions, with armed conflicts between states at the top of the ranking, in addition to the intensification of environmental crises and the increase in disinformation are the main global risk factors for 2025, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF). Armed conflicts also rose from fifth to third place in the scenario for the next two years outlined by the Global Risks Report, based on the 20th edition of the Annual Global Risk Perception Survey (GRPS), which interviewed more than 900 leaders around the world. And they are now demanding greater attention to risk mitigation strategies from leaders of global companies.
Extreme weather events have moved up to second place among the sources of concern in 2025 and will take first place in a ten-year scenario. Other sources of risk identified by respondents for 2025 are fake news and misinformation, which appears in 4th place, after geoeconomic conflicts (3rd) and social polarization, in 5th place.
Disinformation remains a central concern for the second consecutive year, as it represents a threat to social and political stability. In 2024, the report has already warned that this is a growing risk. Concerns about adverse outcomes from the use of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) are still small in the short term, but are expected to intensify in WEF forecasts, and already appear in 6th place in the ten-year scenario.
Uncertainty on the horizon
Overall, the report indicates that armed conflicts between states, geoeconomic tensions and global fragmentation create an environment of uncertainty that demands consistent positioning and action from companies. How organizations deal with sensitive geopolitical issues, such as sanctions, supply chains and human rights, can result in damage to their reputation.
Climate change and natural disasters pose real threats to many companies, but they also offer opportunities for those that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. “Heatwaves across Asia; floods in Brazil, Indonesia and parts of Europe; wildfires in Canada; and hurricanes Helene and Milton in the United States are just a few recent examples of such events,” the report warns.
The report states that growing social inequality, political polarization and the erosion of social cohesion create fertile ground for social instability. As a result, companies are increasingly being held accountable for their role in society. How they deal with issues such as diversity, inclusion, labor rights and social justice can have a direct impact on their reputation.
On another front, technological advances bring countless opportunities, but also new risks, such as the spread of misinformation, cyberattacks and the unethical use of artificial intelligence. Companies need to be prepared to deal with these risks in an ethical and transparent manner, or risk suffering serious damage to their reputation. Data leaks, the misuse of personal information and the spread of fake news can generate image crises of great proportions.
The 2025 report analyzed 33 risk categories and will inform discussions at the Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland this year. The event, which will take place from January 20 to 24, will focus on Collaboration for the Intelligent Era. The event will bring together more than 2,800 participants from 120 countries, including 60 heads of state and government.
Top 10 global risks in 2025

Top 10 global risks in the short and long term

Source: WEF Global Risks Report/Global Risk Perception Survey
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