50 Global Risks 2012 ncludes risks we don’t think about everyday like cyber neotribalism, the militarization of space, and a volcanic winter.
Risk management is a part of our everyday personal and professional lives. We know to look both ways before crossing the street. We also know that we must diversify our investment portfolios to mitigate the impact of a stock market crash.
But, what about the less obvious risks?
The World Economic Forum is out with their list of 50 Global Risks 2012. It includes well-known ones: chronic fiscal imbalances, severe income disparity, rising greenhouse gas emissions, cyber attacks, terrorism, etc.
It also includes risks we don’t think about everyday like cyber neotribalism, the militarization of space, and a volcanic winter.
What follows is a list of risks once believed only to exist in science fiction novels. They’re also risks highlighted by 469 experts and industry leaders surveyed by the World Economic Forum.
1. Militarization of space
Targeting of commercial, civil and military space assets and related ground systems as core to defence strategy.
2. Unintended consequences of nanotechnology
The manipulation of matter on an atomic and molecular level raises concerns on nanomaterial toxicity.
3. Massive incident of data fraud or theft
Criminal or wrongful exploitation of private data on an unprecedented scale.
4. Vulnerability to pandemics
Inadequate disease surveillance systems, failed international coordination and the lack of vaccine production capacity.
5. Entrenched organized crime
Highly organized, disciplined and deep-rooted global networks, committing criminal offences.
6. Vulnerability to geomagnetic storms
Critical communication and navigation systems disabled by effects from colossal solar flares.
7. Unintended consequences of new life science technologies
Advances in genetics and synthetic biology produce unintended consequences, mishaps or are used as weapons.
8. Unmanaged migration
Mass migration driven by resource scarcity, environmental degradation and lack of opportunity, security or social stability.
9. Unintended consequences of climate change mitigation
Attempts at geoengineering or renewable energy development result in new complex challenges.
10. Rising rates of chronic disease
Increasing burden of illness and long-term costs of treatment threaten recent societal gains in life expectancy and quality.
11. Unprecedented geophysical destruction
Geophysical disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic activity of unparalleled magnitude or unforeseen frequency that overwhelm existing precautions.
12. Rising religious fanaticism
Uncompromising sectarian views that polarize societies and exacerbate regional tensions.
13. Persistent extreme weather
Increasing damage linked to greater concentration of property in risk zones, urbanization or increased frequency of extreme weather events.
14. Proliferation of orbital debris
Rapidly accumulating debris in high-traffic geocentric orbits jeopardizes critical satellite infrastructure.
Via Business Insider
