Which global risks do experts believe will have the most impact on society and businesses in the near future? Is the general population worried about the same risks?
To find out, AXA commissioned Ipsos to survey 3,226 experts (risk management professionals, distribution and marketing professionals, etc.) in 50 countries between May and June, 2023. The researchers also surveyed 19,016 members of the public in 15 countries during the same time period.
The 10 biggest emerging global risks according to the experts are climate change, cybersecurity, geopolitical instability, AI/Big Data, energy, natural resources and biodiversity, financial stability, social tensions/movements, pandemics/infectious diseases, and macro-economic.
AI/Big Data risks saw the biggest increase in concern from experts, jumping from 14th on AXA's list last year to fourth this year.
Pandemic risk saw the biggest decline in the experts’ ranking, dropping from fifth last year to ninth this year.
The general public is less worried about artificial intelligence and geopolitical instability compared with risk experts, and more worried about pandemics, social tensions, and terrorism.
About the research: The report was based on data from a survey conducted among 3,226 experts (risk management professionals, distribution and marketing professionals, etc.) in 50 countries between May and June, 2023, as well as a survey of 19,016 members of the public in 15 countries.