Water is positioned at the epicentre of the world’s most pressing global crises, WaterAid observes, as the World Economic Forum publishes its highly anticipated findings from the new Global Risks Report 2025.
The forum’s top four global risks predicted for the next decade all relate to environmental and climate issues, with ‘extreme weather events’ topping the next decade list for the second year in a row.
Also notable on the list is ‘Inequality’. Taken in conjunction with the prominence of environmental and climate change risks, it cannot be ignored that many of the regions most vulnerable to climate change are also where the divide between rich and poor is most stark.
Tim Wainwright, WaterAid UK’s Chief Executive, responds:
“With 90% of all natural disasters being water-related, causing devastation to water and sanitation services, these predictions are terrifying.
“In the next 10 years extreme weather, natural resource shortages and ecosystem collapse are predicted to wreak further havoc on our planet and communities. Yet, global leaders can still alter this future – starting by taking decisive action at next week’s Davos summit.
“Fragile or outdated facilities must be urgently upgraded to withstand the extreme weather events—cyclones, wildfires, floods, and drought—that we are experiencing in greater severity and frequency than ever before. It is not just a matter of justice for the communities most at risk, but a smart investment for the world.
“World leaders must act now to unite the public and private sector and collectively close the finance gap for water – only then can we truly safeguard our planet and our future.”