World Economic Forum rates water crises one of the top five global risks for sixth year in a row

For the sixth year running, the annual Global Risks report has rated water crises as being among the top five global risks in terms of impact. The 2018 report covers more risks than ever, but pays particular attention to four key areas: environmental degradation, cybersecurity breaches, economic strains and geopolitical tensions.

Each year the Global Risks Report works with experts and decision-makers across the world to identify and analyze the most pressing risks that we face. The 2018 report also presents the results of our latest Global Risks Perception Survey, in which nearly 1,000 experts and decision-makers assess the likelihood and impact of 30 global risks over a 10-year horizon. Since 2012 Water crises are rated in the top 5 of global risks in terms of impact. Interestingly, in 2014 the categorization of water crises changed from being considered an environemental risk to a societal one. This illustrates how the impact of water scarcity progressively changes in global perception. 

As the pace of change accelerates, and as risk interconnections deepen, this year’s report furthermore highlights the growing strain we are placing on many of the global systems we rely on. This year’s report covers more risks than ever, but focuses in particular on four key areas: environmental degradation, cybersecurity breaches, economic strains and geopolitical tensions. 

Please visit the website of the World Economic Forums for additional information. The full download can be found here.