The World Economic Forum (WEF) released on Wednesday its Global Risks Report 2024, revealing what the world's short-term and long-term threats are, according to the latest survey.
When it comes to short-term threats, the report details that "misinformation and disinformation" is one of the "most severe" ones, with artificial intelligence's (AI) potential seen as the main driver. AI could "flood global information systems with false narratives," if utilized by "bad actors." These bad actors might use the technology "to widen societal and political divides," and cause civil unrest and further governmental censorship on "the free flow of information." With numerous elections coming in 2024 and 2025, and over 3 billion people due to head to the polls, this risk is "enhanced," according to the report.
As for long-term threats, climate-related risks "contribute 5 of the top 10 threats as the world nears or crosses 'climate tipping points'."
