Please identify your top 3 global risks for the next 2 years from the following list:

Answer Explanations

• Critical change to Earth systems Misinformation and disinformation Societal polarization

  user-752774
  Critical Changes to the Earth System would have multiple consequences, including Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse, and extreme wheather events.
  Societal Polarization would stem mainly from inequality and lack of social mobility in most societies
• Asset bubble bursts Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse Censorship and surveillance Critical change to Earth systems Cyber insecurity Debt Disruptions to critical infrastructure Economic downturn Erosion of human rights Infectious diseases Involuntary migration Labour shortages Misinformation and disinformation Non-weather related natural disasters Societal polarization

  user-435741
  Unfortunately, I am not hopeful about the future of the world. That's why I have more than 3 options.
• Adverse outcomes of Al technologies Cyber insecurity Misinformation and disinformation

  user-344244
  Digital transformation leads to increasing the risk of Cyber insecurity and Adverse outcomes of Al technologies. As a result, digital war may initially start in the next 2 years.
• Critical change to Earth systems Disruptions to critical infrastructure Societal polarization

  user-7255
  I've merged Misinformation and disinformation into Societal polarization as I think they're strongly linked. The other two relate to the impacts of climate change.
• Erosion of human rights Societal polarization Other (please explain)

  user-900364
  The increased dehumanisation of others, a possible result of the unregulated uses of technological advancement is a concern and in my opinion the root of all global risks. It leads to fear which feeds into societal polarization and erosion of human rights. When you look at another human being and you fail to see their inherent dignity, but rather a label or categorical placement based on perceived set of values (which are subject to change) this is breeding ground for animosity and global chaos. The pandemic was a firsthand example of this. 
• Adverse outcomes of Al technologies Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse Biological, chemical or nuclear hazards

  user-637348
  We should be very careful about our environment and any kind of damage should be paid high penalty to all living organisms
• Cyber insecurity Disruptions to critical infrastructure Misinformation and disinformation

  user-390626
  Given we now live in a largely cyber-based global economy, cyber security is ever more critical to national and global stability. This is also true for national security, as many modern state militaries are to varying extents integrated into cyber networks. The threats to cyber security - by both state and rogue actors - presents a clear and present danger. Critical infrastructure disruption also presents a severe threat, and though generic, can be brought on by various causes. The COVID epidemic - itself a severe global threat that  - provided a stark example of the severe impact critical infrastructure disruption (e.g., overloading hospitals, overworked staffs in health care systems, residual reduction in health care work forces) can have on populations across the globe over a relatively short period of time. Finally, I explained above why misinformation and disinformation is a severe threat in the short term.
• Misinformation and disinformation Societal polarization Other (please explain)

  user-440880
  lack of education
• Other (please explain)

  user-161126
  Multinational corporate misconduct which fuels natural resource degradation and loss of biodiversity, human rights violations and pollution of natural resources (water, land and air).
• Adverse outcomes of Al technologies Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse Concentration of strategic resources

  user-320370
  My choices have been explained above. 
• Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse Critical change to Earth systems Misinformation and disinformation

  sab2x
  Societal polarization cause by misinformation and disinformation is already impacting the ability of the world to respond quickly and with focus to climate change.  The potential failure to respond to the challenges of climate change will lead to changes in critical ecosystems that people have depended on for centuries and the accompanying loss of biodiversity and ecosystems collapse will have impacts we probably can't begin to adequately anticipate.
• Censorship and surveillance Cyber insecurity Natural resource shortages Societal polarization Technological power concentration

  user-741891
  Besides of the WEF similar pattern, we must add the concentration of technological and information power into a small bunch of bigtech companies. Beyond any real national control.
• Censorship and surveillance Societal polarization Other (please explain)

  user-234128
  Mass movement of populations.
• Adverse outcomes of frontier technologies Critical change to Earth systems Geoeconomic confrontation

  user-863919
  I'm not sure about the time scale.  Special cases (e.g. extreme weather events as a manifestation of critical change in earth systems or misinformation and disinformation as a manifestation of adverse impact of frontier technologies) should be understood in their larger contexts.  Migration is driven in large part by demography and climate change.
• Chronic health conditions Infectious diseases Terrorist attacks

  user-627640
  I find the insecurity of the world - terrorist attacks make life uncertain for many persons. I feel health problems are the greatest global risks. We just went through a pandemic where millions died and the state of current affairs is not optimal.
• Adverse outcomes of Al technologies Asset bubble bursts Biological, chemical or nuclear hazards

  user-706951
  The regional wars and the ideological fighting will be the "fuses" for these global risks 
• Extreme weather events Infectious diseases Pollution

  user-289248
  Along with urbanization, the pollution is reaching a record high. Likewise, new infectious diseases are crippling our society. Apart from that, extreme weather events are taking a large toll on human.
• Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse Biological, chemical or nuclear hazards Extreme weather events Natural resource shortages

  user-816754
  • Biodiversity and ecosystem loss due to climate change 
  • Due to more use of chemicals, biological and nuclear energy earth is being degraded and affecting people adversely
  • Weather is drying weather, such as freezing fog, drying sunny, and fog
  • Water scarcity is an example of a natural resource shortage 

  
  
• Adverse outcomes of Al technologies Cyber insecurity Misinformation and disinformation

  user-97558
  Again due to information overload, the above identified risks may push global boundary for sustainable living in the next years....
• Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse Biological, chemical or nuclear hazards Chronic health conditions Critical change to Earth systems Extreme weather events Infectious diseases Natural resource shortages Other (please explain)

  user-27170
  The Human Genome of Offspring
• Censorship and surveillance Erosion of human rights Societal polarization

  user-499245
  My opinion.
• Extreme weather events Misinformation and disinformation Societal polarization

  user-803111
  My answer is based on the fact that most of the provided options are dependent on Misinformation and disinformation, Extreme Weather Events, and Societal Polarization. 
• Adverse outcomes of Al technologies Biological, chemical or nuclear hazards Misinformation and disinformation

  user-882784
  Adverse outcomes of AI (Artificial Intelligence) technologies can manifest in various ways, including:
  
  

  Artificial intelligence algorithms can continue and intensify prejudices that already exist in the data they are trained on, resulting in discriminatory consequences in domains like employment, lending, and the criminal justice system.
  
  

  AI systems often depend on extensive quantities of personal data, giving rise to issues around privacy infringements, unauthorized monitoring, and the possibility of sensitive information being misused by governments, businesses, or unscrupulous individuals.
  
  

  The use of AI technology to automate processes and employment might result in job displacement and economic disruption, especially in businesses that heavily rely on manual or repetitive operations.
  
  

  AI systems are susceptible to hacks, manipulation, or exploitation by malevolent individuals, which may endanger vital infrastructure, financial systems, and national security.
  
  

  AI technologies provide intricate ethical quandaries, including the deployment of self-governing weaponry, the influence on human worth and self-governance, and inquiries over liability and obligation in decision-making procedures entrusted to AI systems.
  
  

  To tackle these negative consequences, it is crucial to take into account ethical principles, regulatory frameworks, transparency, accountability mechanisms, and continuous communication among policymakers, technologists, ethicists, and civil society stakeholders. This will ensure that AI technologies are created and implemented in a way that maximizes their advantages while minimizing possible drawbacks.
  
  

  Potential biological, chemical, or nuclear hazards pose significant global risks over the next two years due to various factors:
  
  

  The occurrence of new infectious illnesses, the transmission of pathogens that are resistant to antibiotics, and the possibility of diseases spreading from animals to humans emphasize the continuous threat of pandemics. This threat is intensified by variables such as the growth of cities, increased worldwide connections, and changes in the Earth's climate.
  
  

  Industrial accidents, improper handling of dangerous substances, and intentional acts of chemical terrorism present threats to public health, environmental integrity, and national defense, carrying the possibility of extensive pollution and damage to people.
  
  

  The widespread presence of nuclear weapons, materials, and technology, along with geopolitical tensions and the possibility of state or non-state actors obtaining or using nuclear capabilities, increases the likelihood of nuclear war, accidents, or events with disastrous outcomes.
  
  

  The progress made in biotechnology and genetic engineering has brought attention to the potential intentional abuse of biological agents or the unintended release of viruses. This underscores the need to implement biosecurity measures, monitoring systems, and international collaboration to reduce these dangers.
  
  

  Climate change can worsen biological, chemical, and nuclear hazards by changing disease patterns, intensifying extreme weather events, disturbing ecosystems, and destabilising geopolitical dynamics. This can increase the likelihood of interconnected risks and vulnerabilities.
  
  

  To effectively deal with these worldwide risks, it is crucial to have strong evaluations of risks, measures to prevent them, readiness to respond, and capabilities at the local, national, and international levels. Additionally, it is important to continuously invest in scientific research, public health infrastructure, diplomatic endeavors, and multilateral cooperation to reduce the impact of biological, chemical, and nuclear dangers on global security and stability.
  
  

  Misinformation and disinformation pose significant global risks due to their pervasive nature and potential consequences, As I have listed the following points that can help to understand. 
  
  

  Dissemination of inaccurate or deceptive information undermines confidence in institutions, media, and public personalities, resulting in a deterioration of social unity and weakening of democratic mechanisms.
  
  

  Within the realm of public health, the dissemination of false information may instigate dread, bewilderment, and inaccuracies about vaccinations, therapies, and preventative measures. This obstructs endeavors to manage disease outbreaks and pandemics.
  
  

  Dissemination of false information may worsen social divides by continuously promoting stereotypes, stigmatizing marginalized people, and encouraging polarisation within societies, ultimately resulting in social unrest and violence.
  
  

  Dissemination of inaccurate information has the potential to disrupt financial markets, sway investment choices, and harm the standing of companies and sectors, leading to economic instability and a decline in consumer trust.
  
  

  In democratic cultures, the dissemination of false or misleading information, as well as deliberate efforts to spread false information, may affect public opinion, influence election outcomes, and weaken the credibility of the electoral process. This poses a significant danger to the basic values and functioning of democracy.
  
  

  To effectively tackle the difficulties presented by misinformation and disinformation, a collaborative endeavor is necessary including governments, media entities, technology corporations, and civil society. This effort should focus on advancing media literacy, implementing fact-checking measures, ensuring transparency, and establishing responsibility in the distribution of information.
  
  
• Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse Chronic health conditions Other (please explain)

  user-73060
  Gender issues
• Cyber insecurity Natural resource shortages

  user-846420
  1. Every year, computer security becomes more critical, with not only ordinary citizens but also businessmen, politicians, large companies that have their customers' information and even entire governments as victims of attacks.
  2. Due to extreme weather changes, certain natural resources have become very precious assets and in the coming years, due to these changes, water will become a privilege that not everyone will be able to enjoy, endangering not only crops but also human consumption.
• Other (please explain)

  user-990457
  Mental health
• Adverse outcomes of Al technologies Misinformation and disinformation Terrorist attacks

  user-465656
  With advancements in technology we see advancements in hacking. Cybersecurity threats can be used as a form of terrorism to steal identity, assets, and spread misinformation to the masses
• Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse Illicit economic activity Infectious diseases

  user-248213
  The mentioned risk appears not to have a possible solution. 
• Critical change to Earth systems Cyber insecurity Interstate armed conflict Intrastate violence

  user-923999
  1) Climate change - there are cascading issues occurring, particularly with the AMOC and the instability of the Greenland glacier. Current risk assessment there does not seem to include the risk of increased volcanic activity in Iceland, as weight comes off the North Atlantic plate as Greenland melts, and destabilises the North American Plate.
  
  2) Cyber warfare - the computer systems we use are horribly insecure, the only explanation for why this is not already more severe is the time it takes to develop good exploit tools
  
  3) Armed conflict I fear, speaks for itself. But in the context of #1, it would I think be quite interesting to know what Russia's climate modelling in particular is predicting...
• Critical change to Earth systems Geoeconomic confrontation Interstate armed conflict

  user-400910
  Some of these - such as critical changes to earth systems - capture more risks than e.g. only extreme weather events. I fear geoeconomics and military confrontation are closer than we believe; they may result from misinformation and polarization, but the consequences are much more dire.
• Other (please explain)

  user-243706
  Why is poverty not on this list?  It underlies many of these issues.  It's not easy to fix poverty but until we understand that financial insecurity is at the heart of most of these issues, we cannot move forward as a planet.
• Extreme weather events Misinformation and disinformation Technological power concentration

  user-445218
  See above...
• Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse Misinformation and disinformation Other (please explain)

  user-402415
  All the many global-warming related problems
• Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse Biological, chemical or nuclear hazards Pollution

  user-532952
  We have had all the other threats for eons. However, humans are reproducing fast and are polluting faster than ever because their waste is not biodegradable.  
• Critical change to Earth systems Debt Unemployment Other (please explain)

  user-516642
  If the world economy colapses it may drive the world to global conflict and war. 
• Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse Censorship and surveillance Erosion of human rights

  user-699025
  see above
• Censorship and surveillance Economic downturn Lack of economic opportunity

  SciPinion Admin
  major issues in near terms seem to be economic, dealing with the aftermath of covid-19 pandemic.
• Disruptions to critical infrastructure Extreme weather events Infectious diseases Insufficient public infrastructure and services

  user-52776
  I don't agree that 1 (Misinformation and Disimformation) and 3 (Societal Polarization) are the most severe global risks. Number 2 Extreme Weather Events, yes. I think Global Hacking of Government and Power/Water Grid Systems (Disruptions To Critical Infrastructure) and Novel Infectious Diseases are more severe risks than the other two they chose.