Top 28 Global Risks and Their Importance Scores, According to the UN

The UN Global Risk Report 2024 identifies the top 28 most important global risks, with climate change inaction and large-scale pollution ranking as the highest priority. Mis- and disinformation is the most immediate risk, and cybersecurity breakdowns are the least prepared-for risk. Environmental concerns are top of mind for all regions, but other perceptions vary by region.

The United Nations Global Risk Report 2024 has identified the top 28 most important global risks, highlighting the interconnected and compounding nature of these challenges. Environmental concerns, particularly climate change inaction and large-scale pollution, are the highest priority, underscoring the urgent need for global action.

Climate change inaction and large-scale pollution rank at the top of the list, with an importance score of 37.2 and 36.0, respectively. These environmental risks are seen as highly likely and severe, with climate change inaction being the most pressing issue in three out of seven regions. This underscores the immediate and long-term impacts of climate change on global economies and societies.

Mis- and disinformation is identified as the most immediate risk, with 84% of respondents indicating that it is already occurring. This risk is ranked as the top concern for the next two years by the World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Report. The spread of misinformation can have significant economic and social impacts, including market volatility and erosion of trust in institutions.

Cybersecurity breakdowns are the least prepared-for risk, with a preparedness score of just 3.9 out of 7. This highlights the urgent need for global cooperation and investment in cybersecurity measures to mitigate this risk. Other regions have varying perceptions, with cybersecurity breakdowns and artificial intelligence (AI) being top concerns in North Africa and Asia.

The report also identifies economic risks such as global financial crises, widespread debt crises, and economic fragmentation as significant global risks. These economic risks can have severe implications for global financial stability and economic growth.

Environmental concerns are top of mind for all regions, but other perceptions vary. For example, cybersecurity breakdowns and AI were among the top 10 risks in North Africa and Asia, unlike in other regions. This highlights the need for regional-specific risk assessments and tailored responses.

The UN Global Risk Report 2024 serves as a critical reminder of the interconnected and complex nature of global risks. It underscores the need for global cooperation, investment, and preparedness to mitigate these risks and ensure a sustainable and secure future.

References:
[1] https://www.visualcapitalist.com/ranked-the-28-biggest-global-risks-according-to-the-un/