Global Leaders Identify Armed Conflict and Climate Crisis as Major Threats Ahead of Davos 2025

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As the World Economic Forum (WEF) gears up for its annual meeting in Davos, recent survey results revealed that global leaders view escalating armed conflict as the most urgent threat for 2025. Over 900 experts from various fields including business, politics, and academia participated in the survey, with 23% expressing concerns about "state-based armed conflict," particularly in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions such as the war in Ukraine.

The second most pressing risk identified was "extreme weather events," highlighted by 14% of respondents as devastating wildfires continue to affect regions like Los Angeles. This concern reflects a series of recent catastrophic weather incidents linked to climate change, with many experts advocating for immediate action to address these challenges.

Looking further into the future, the survey indicated that four out of the top ten risks over the next decade are related to the climate crisis, including biodiversity loss and critical changes to Earth systems. The WEF's managing director, Gim Huay Neo, emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues, noting that 2024 witnessed record temperatures and unprecedented weather events.

Technological concerns were also prominent, with threats related to misinformation and the negative implications of artificial intelligence (AI) ranking high on the list. With the return of former President Donald Trump coinciding with this year's meeting, attendees anticipate discussions on various global challenges, including potential rollbacks in cooperation on climate issues.

The upcoming Davos gathering will see around 60 world leaders and numerous high-profile executives in attendance, convening under the theme of "a call for collaboration in the intelligent age." Key discussions are expected to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeking international support for his nation's struggle against Russian aggression.

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