Top global risks: an explosion of misinformation and the devastating effects of climate change
In a world facing significant challenges, it is essential to be aware of the dangers that surround us. The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) annual report on global risks highlights a bleak vision of the future, marked by an explosion of misinformation fueled by artificial intelligence and the devastating effects of climate change.
According to the report, nearly two-thirds of respondents expect a “high chance of global catastrophes” over the next decade, and about 30 percent expect the same over the next two years. Although the report does not precisely define what it means by “global catastrophe”, it describes it as an event that would negatively impact a significant proportion of the world’s gross domestic product, population or natural resources.
The WEF said this report warns of a global risk landscape in which human development is at risk and which leaves states and individuals vulnerable to new and old risks. The survey results highlight a mostly negative outlook for the world in the short term, which is expected to deteriorate in the long term.
A growing threat of disinformation
For the first time in the history of this survey, experts identified disinformation as the most serious risk of the next two years. This observation is particularly worrying as the coming year is marked by numerous elections around the world, with nearly 3 billion people expected to go to the polls in 2024.
Artificial intelligence makes it easier to spread false information to influence voters, including through deepfakes, according to Carolina Klint, one of the report’s authors and commercial director in Europe at Marsh McLennan, a consultancy. . She stresses that there is a fear of seeing an increase in this phenomenon this year, with potential consequences on the legitimacy of elected governments and on the polarization of society.
Climate and cybersecurity risks
Extreme weather events were ranked as the second-largest near-term risk, reflecting increased awareness of the environment and climate change. This year has been marked by record temperatures, floods and devastating fires.
Cybersecurity also moved into the top five short-term risks for the first time in a decade. According to Carolina Klint, artificial intelligence facilitates cyberattacks because it allows cybercriminals to carry out complex tasks, such as coding. She explains that a malicious actor does not need to be very intelligent to carry out attacks, which increases opportunities for cybercriminals. However, artificial intelligence can also help detect malicious activity.
Concerns for the future
In the long term, environmental concerns dominate the risk rankings. The top five risks for the next 10 years are extreme climate events, critical changes in earth systems, biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse, scarcity of natural resources, and misinformation and misinformation.
Regarding the economic outlook, the poll highlights concerns related to economic stagnation and persistent increases in inflation. Inequality is increasing and some are already seeing their standard of living decline.
Conclusion
The World Economic Forum report highlights the risks we face in an ever-changing world. It highlights the explosion of disinformation fueled by artificial intelligence, the dangers of climate change and the challenges posed by cybersecurity. It is essential that policymakers take action to address these challenges and prevent global disasters. The future of humanity depends on it.