Experts: The World Would Face More Risks

By Beverly Linao | Jan 15, 2016 10:10 PM EST

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Climate change has become a major problem. Terrorism is rising. Political instability is the worst it has been since the Cold War. The number of people losing their homes is recorded to be the highest since human history. These are just some of the problems the world is facing right now.

And according to at least 750 experts and decision-makers who were surveyed by the World Economic Forum, the world is presently facing the greatest risks. To make it worse, these experts believe that there is more.

Head of geopolitical affairs at WEF Espen Eide said, "The risks are more real, more imminent, more tangible...we are on the edge of a tipping point."

The report says that these risks have started to harm people, institutions and economies.

"Geopolitical instability is exposing businesses to canceled projects, revoked licenses, interrupted production, damaged assets and restricted movement of funds across borders," said Cecilia Reyes, chief risk officer of Zurich Insurance Group.

According to CNNMoney, there is an estimated 60 million people who have become recipients of forced migration. Meaning to say, these people are left with no choice but to flee their homes due to war, poverty and natural disasters.

This number is equal to the world's 24th largest country, aside from it being the highest in the history of mankind.

Furthermore, there is climate change. This has the biggest risk in terms of impact. This is presented by the extreme weather events and natural disasters that are becoming more and more common. December's climate talks in Paris has convinced the countries to fight climate change.

Lastly, stock markets are downwardly spiralling, oil prices are falling, and China is slowing. The status of the global economy is something that is very alarming. "Economic growth is very much on top of our minds... we know we are entering a period of slower growth," said Margareta Drzeniek-Hanouz, WEF's head of global competitiveness and risks.

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