Global Catastrophic Risks 2022: a year of colliding consequences

Abstract

Ukraine war, nuclear risk, climate change, Covid intersect to create unprecedented 'polycrisis'. Global catastrophic risks have intensified at an unprecedented rate in 2022, intersecting and reinforcing each other with far-reaching consequences. The annual report, with the 2022-edition titled: A Year of Colliding Consequences, is the foundation's review of major global risks that threaten at least ten per cent of humanity. This year's report flags complex convergence of global threats. This report is released in the wake of the failure of the COP27 climate talks to agree strong measures to curb fossil fuel production, and as the ripple effects of the Ukraine war continue to be felt worldwide in terms of heightened nuclear risk, severe food and energy insecurity, surging inflation and poverty.