Extreme weather, cyber attacks, lack of water : the risk report of the world economic forum, draws a devastating picture

climate change, crime Data, geopolitical crises and global economic tensions: The risk report of the world economic forum (WEF) draws a devastating picture of the state of the earth. "Global risks to take, but the collective will to fight weakens. Instead, the division is increasing“, - stated in the study, which was presented on Wednesday in London. How serious the situation is, show the title of each Chapter: "Out of Control" (out of control) mean of a, a different Fight or Flight (fight or flight).

climate change

A particularly high risk from climate change. For the first time are mentioned in the annual report environmental problems as the three most pressing challenges. Specifically, these are extreme weather events, failure of climate protection and adaptation to climate change and natural disasters. "Of all the risks, it is the most for the environment on the obvious that transforms the world into a disaster of sleep", - stated in the study. But data fraud and robbery, as well as cyber-attacks include, therefore, to the greatest threats. The planned Britain to leave the EU, the 114-page report.

Political and economic conflicts

Just a week before the annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland (22. to 25. January) called on the WEF's emphasis on cooperation. "There has never been a more pressing need for a collaborative and common approach to global issues of concern to all," wrote WEF-President Børge Brende in his Preface of the "Global Risk Report". However, the WEF shows at the same time, extremely skeptical that mankind accepts the challenge and terms. With a view to political and economic conflicts, the organization warns: "Against this Background, it is probably more difficult to achieve common progress on other global challenges."

globalization 4.0 in Davos

Traditionally, the WEF, the world risk report approximately one week prior to the beginning of the meeting in the Swiss Alps. The organization sees the study as a kind of guide to the Central questions of the year 2019.

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In Davos to discuss this year more than 3000 participants from policy, economy, culture and society under the slogan of "globalization 4.0: the search for a global architecture in the age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution". Are expected, among others, German Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU), the Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan and Brazil's new head of state, Jair Bolsonaro. US President, Donald Trump had cancelled his visit with reference to the budget dispute with the Democrats, France's head of state, Emmanuel Macron because of the protests of the "Yellow vests" at home.

Trade disputes

In their report, the authors also warn of the consequences of the current trade conflicts between the United States and China or between the US and the EU. "Economic policy (...) is nowadays increasingly seen as a means of strategic competition," it says. The report stresses that these crises are long gone. So 91 percent of the respondents expect the economic conflicts between the major States, and 85 percent expect an increased risk of political confrontation. "In many countries, the polarisation is on the rise. In some cases, the fibers, the social contracts that hold the societies together,“ warned the WEF, the President of Brende.

the economy and progress

An important role in the slower pace of economic growth, especially as the economy have faced serious problems. We would add that the financial markets had become more volatile and the worldwide debt load greatly increased: they amounted now to 225 percent of the global gross domestic product and more than before the recent financial crisis.

Not least, the WEF warns of the "human side" of global risks. "For many people, this is an increasingly fearful, unhappy and lonely world," the report says. It is estimated that about 700 million people worldwide suffer from mental health problems. "This is an age of unprecedented opportunities and technological progress, but for many people, this is also an age of uncertainty," said WEF President Brende.

"future shock" as a theoretical scenarios.

as a discussion stimulus for the Meeting in Davos, the WEF formulated in the risk report of ten "future shock" as a theoretical scenarios. The authors include wars, among other things, the so-called Weather - climate manipulation for the weakening of the opponents and the deliberate interruption of the food supply. More scenarios are a the end of the water supply in major cities, as well as the shift of geopolitical conflicts into space. It was in all of these scenarios, a reminder, be creative about the risks of thinking and to expect the Unexpected. (dpa)

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The complete risk report of the world economic forum is available here as a Download in pdf Format.