Risks on Earth, in space and in the metaverse - the Global Risks Report 2022

Climate Crisis

The COP28 climate summit held in late 2023 served to focus the world’s attention on the steps necessary to avert catastrophe - and resulted in an official acknowledgement that fossil fuels are the root cause of climate change. Despite the stated aim of the Paris Agreement to limit warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, by having countries voluntarily reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, the world is on track to exceed that threshold. Even 1.5°C in warming is likely to lead to punishing environmental impacts and widespread displacement.This briefing is based on the views of a wide range of experts from the World Economic Forum’s Expert Ne...