Tariffs and AI’s downside pose top global risks for business, World Economic Forum says

News Brief: World Economic Forum Global Risks Report 2026

Summary

The World Economic Forum’s 2026 Global Risks Report warns of a world “sitting on a precipice,” with geopolitical and economic confrontations dominating near-term concerns, while environmental risks remain the top long-term threat despite being deprioritized in the short term.

Key Points

  • Top Near-Term Risks (2 Years): Geoeconomic confrontation tops the list, followed by misinformation/disinformation and societal polarization.
  • Economic Anxiety: Half of surveyed leaders expect turbulent times; concerns over economic downturn, inflation, and asset bubbles are rising sharply.
  • AI’s Rapid Rise: Potential adverse outcomes of AI saw the fastest rise in concern, jumping from 30th in short-term risks last year to 5th in long-term risks now.
  • Long-Term Leader (10 Years): Extreme weather remains the #1 concern, with insured catastrophe losses consistently exceeding $100 billion annually.
  • Shifting Focus: While climate existential risks persist, leaders’ immediate attention is diverted by wars, inflation, and misinformation, reducing collective capacity to act.
  • Call for Cooperation: The report stresses that “coalitions of the willing” are crucial to tackle global challenges, but a “retreat from multilateralism” raises serious concerns.

新闻简报:世界经济论坛《2026年全球风险报告》

总结

世界经济论坛发布的《2026年全球风险报告》警告世界正“处于悬崖边缘”。地缘经济对抗主导近期担忧,而环境风险尽管在短期内被忽视,仍是长期首要威胁。

关键要点

  • 首要近期风险(2年内): 地缘经济对抗位列榜首,其次是错误/虚假信息和社会两极分化。
  • 经济焦虑: 半数受访领导者预计未来两年将动荡不安;对经济衰退、通胀和资产泡沫的担忧急剧上升。
  • 人工智能风险骤升: 人工智能的潜在负面影响关注度上升最快,从去年短期风险第30位跃升至当前长期风险第5位。
  • 长期首要风险(10年内): 极端天气仍是头号关切,保险灾难损失连续六年超过1000亿美元。
  • 关注点转移: 尽管气候生存风险依然存在,但领导者的即时注意力被战争、通胀和错误信息分散,削弱了采取集体行动的能力。
  • 呼吁合作: 报告强调“意愿联盟”对应对全球挑战至关重要,但“多边主义的退潮”引发严重担忧。

Original Article Link: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/14/world-economic-forum-2026-global-risks-report.html

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