The Global Risks Report 2024

SOCIETALInflation Chronic physical and mental health conditions that last one year or more and require ongoing medical attention and/or limit activities of daily living. Includes, but is not limited to: conditions linked to ageing; excessive consumption habits; and climate change and pollution. Erosion of human rights and/or civic freedomsLoss of protections for rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of individual status, and/or the freedoms that underpin civic space. Includes, but is not limited to the right to: life and liberty; work and education; freedom of expression; peaceful assembly; discrimination based on gender, race ethnicity and other characteristics; and privacy. Inequality or lack of economic opportunityPersistent barriers to the realization of economic potential and security. Includes, but is not limited to: growing or persistent poverty; present or perceived income and wealth inequality; and unequal access to educational, technological and economic opportunities. Infectious diseases Spread of viruses, parasites, fungi or bacteria leading to a widespread loss of life and economic disruption. Includes, but is not limited to: zoonotic diseases; releases of natural or man-made pathogens; the resurgence of pre-existing diseases due to lower levels of immunity; the rise of antimicrobial resistance; and the impact of climate change and environmental degradation on pathogens and their vectors. Insufficient public infrastructure andservicesNon-existent, inadequate or inequitable public infrastructure and services. Includes, but is not limited to: unaffordable or inadequate social security and benefits; housing; public education; child and elderly care; healthcare; and sanitation and transportation systems. Adverse outcomes of AI technologiesIntended or unintended negative consequences of advances in AI and related technological capabilities (including generative AI) on individuals, businesses, ecosystems and/or economies. Adverse outcomes of frontier technologies(quantum, biotech,geoengineering)Intended or unintended negative consequences of advances in frontier technologies on individuals, businesses, ecosystems and/or economies. Includes, but is not limited to: brain-computer interfaces; biotechnology; geo-engineering; and quantum computing. Censorship and surveillanceBroad and pervasive observation of a place or person and/or suppression of communication, information and ideas, physically or digitally, to the extent that it significantly infringes on human and civil rights (e.g. privacy, freedom of speech and freedom of expression).Involuntary migration Forced movement or displacement across or within borders. Drivers include, but are not limited to: persistent discrimination and persecution; lack of economic advancement opportunities; human-made disasters; natural disasters and extreme weather events, including the impacts of climate change; and internal or interstate conflict. Societal polarization Ideological and cultural divisions within and across communities leading to declining social stability, gridlocks in decision-making, economic disruption, and increased political polarization. Unemployment Structural deterioration of work prospects or standards of work. Includes, but is not limited to: erosion of workers' rights; stagnating wages; rising unemployment and underemployment; displacement due to automation or the green transition; and stagnant social mobility. TECHNOLOGICALDefinitions of global risks TABLE A.1 Interstate armed conflict (hot war, proxy wars)Bilateral or multilateral use of force between states, manifesting as proxy war or open, hot war. Intrastate violence(civil strikes, riots,coups)Destructive behaviour, interpersonal violence and/or use of force that takes place within a country or community, by state or non-state actors. Includes, but is not limited to: internal civil unrest manifesting as violent riots and strikes; gang violence; mass shootings; civil wars; guerrilla warfare; genocide; assassinations; and coups. Terrorist attacks Use of force by non-state actors with ideological, political or religious goals, resulting in loss of life, severe injury or material damage caused by conventional and non-conventional weapons or other means. Global Risks Report 2024 97