Climate change tops threats list

15 January 2016 - 02:28 By Bloomberg

Climate change and large-scale forced migration are the greatest risks facing the world, according to a survey by the World Economic Forum, which meets in Davos next week. The 2016 report, published yesterday, highlights the most significant threats expected over the next decade. The report is based on a survey of more than 750 experts.Failure to deal with climate change is seen as posing the greatest risk, ahead of weapons of mass destruction and water crises.Migration tops the list in terms of likelihood.The report, in its 11th year, shows a broader range of risks than ever before, the forum says, with environmental, geopolitical, societal and economic threats all featuring in the top five in terms of impact for the first time. There is also evidence of increased connections between risks as they feed off each other, the report says.The list of the most likely risks, topped by "large-scale involuntary migration", has extreme weather events in second place, failure to tackle climate change in third and interstate conflict, top last year, fourth.The highest ranking for a technological risk was cyber-attack, in 11th place for both likelihood and impact.It was seen as the biggest risk in doing business in North America...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.