The findings of this 10th edition of the Future Risks Report 2023 are quite clear: Artificial Intelligence and Big Data represent new sources of uncertainty, attracting the attention of many experts, especially since the advent of generative AI and ChatGPT. These specialists predict that the developments in AI may represent an existential threat to mankind.
After being at the top of the rankings since 2015, climate change [4] is now, for the first time in 2023, the main threat for all geographical zones combined. The planet is increasingly confronted with extreme phenomena: droughts, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, storms, affecting more populations and regions.
Cybersecurity is another major threat, and has climbed one place in the top 10 to second position.
Pandemics and infectious diseases, on the other hand, recorded the sharpest decline. They dropped from 5th to 9th place, after having topped the rankings in 2020.
The AXA study was based on a survey of 3 300 risk and insurance experts in 50 countries and 19 000 other representatives of the population in 15 countries.
| Ranking | Top 10 emerging risks | |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| 1 | 1 | Climate change |
| 2 | 3 | Cyber risks |
| 3 | 2 | Geopolitical instability |
| 4 | 14 | Risks related to artificial intelligence and Big Data |
| 5 | 4 | Energy risks |
| 6 | 7 | Natural resources and biodiversity risks |
| 7 | 8 | Financial stability risks |
| 8 | 6 | Social tensions and movements |
| 9 | 5 | Pandemics and infectious diseases |
| 10 | 9 | Macro-economic risks |
Read also | Allianz Risk Barometer 2023 [5]