climate change, crime Data, geopolitical crises and global economic tensions: The risk report of the world economic forum (WEF) draws a devastating picture of the state of the earth. “Global risks to take, but the collective will to fight weakens. Instead, the division is increasing“, – stated in the study, which was presented on Wednesday in London. How serious the situation is, show the title of each Chapter: “Out of Control” (out of control) mean of a, a different Fight or Flight (fight or flight).

A particularly high risk from climate change. For the first time are mentioned in the annual report environmental problems as the three most pressing challenges. Specifically, these are extreme weather events, failure of climate protection and adaptation to climate change and natural disasters. “Of all the risks, it is the most for the environment on the obvious that transforms the world into a disaster of sleep”, – stated in the study. But data fraud and robbery, as well as cyber-attacks include, therefore, to the greatest threats.

Just a week before the annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland (22. to 25. January) called on the WEF’s emphasis on cooperation. “There has never been a more pressing need for a collaborative and common approach to global issues of concern to all,” wrote WEF-President Børge Brende in his Preface of the “Global Risk Report”. However, the WEF shows at the same time, extremely skeptical that mankind accepts the challenge and terms. With a view to political and economic conflicts, the organization warns: “Against this Background, it is probably more difficult to achieve common progress on other global challenges.”

polarisation on the rise

Traditionally, the WEF, the world risk report approximately one week prior to the beginning of the meeting in the Swiss Alps. The organization sees the study as a kind of guide to the Central questions of the year 2019.

In Davos to discuss this year more than 3000 participants from policy, economy, culture and society under the slogan of “globalization 4.0: the search for a global architecture in the age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution”. Are expected, among others, German Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU), the Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan and Brazil’s new head of state, Jair Bolsonaro. The American President Donald Trump had cancelled his visit with reference to the budget dispute with the Democrats, France’s head of state, Emmanuel Macron because of the protests of the “Yellow vests” at home.