A majority of the world's population views the future with apprehension. This phenomenon is evident in the results of a survey by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in *The Global Risks Report 2022*.
In the WEF survey, approximately 84% of respondents viewed the current global situation with feelings of anxiety and worry. Only 16% of respondents held a positive and optimistic outlook.
Around 89% of respondents also felt that global life will worsen in the coming years, characterized by uncertainty and the risk of sudden catastrophes or major disasters. Only 11% of respondents believed that the global situation will improve in the future.
The five most concerning future threats identified by global citizens are:
1. Extreme Weather
The most widely feared threat is extreme weather. 31.1% of respondents expressed concern about an increase in natural disasters related to weather in the next two years, such as heatwaves, heavy rains, wildfires, floods, and prolonged winters. Extreme weather is feared to cause property damage, financial losses, and increased illness and death on a global scale.
2. Livelihood Crisis
Next, the most widely feared threat is a livelihood crisis or job loss. 30.4% of respondents are concerned about an increase in unemployment, poverty, and a reduction in worker rights such as leave, retirement, and health insurance in the next two years.
3. Failure of Climate Change Mitigation
Global citizens also expressed significant concern about the policies of governments and global businesses in mitigating climate change. 27.5% of respondents worry that these policies will fail, leading to worsening pollution and environmental damage.
4. Social Conflict
Following climate issues, global citizens are concerned about social conflict. 27.5% of respondents are worried about numerous conflicts arising from economic and political issues in the next two years.
5. Disease Outbreaks
Finally, the threat of infectious disease outbreaks is a major concern. 26.4% of respondents are worried about the emergence of a new pandemic from mutated viruses or bacteria in the next two years, similar to COVID-19, which produced variants such as Delta and Omicron.
(See Also: IMF Projects Slowdown in Global Economic Growth in 2022)