Blog | Solvay Lifelong Learning

Global Risks Report 2025: Sustainability Is No Longer an Option

Written by Dr Bertrand Collignon | 2/18/25 12:55 PM

The World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report 2025 paints a sobering picture of our world's future, demanding immediate action from leaders across all sectors. As we navigate an increasingly fractured global landscape, the need for sustainable, forward-thinking leadership has never been more critical. In this blog entry by our Deputy Director of Sustainable Development at our Faculty, Bertrand Collignon breaks down the report’s key findings and explores how organisations can tackle these urgent challenges through informed leadership and action.

Sustainability at the Forefront

One of the standout features of the programme was its commitment to providing deep knowledge and academic rigour. Through intensive study, I gained a deeper understanding of the pressing issues related to climate change and the critical importance of preserving biodiversity. The programme gave me valuable insights into the concept of "no return challenges" and shed light on the urgency of taking proactive action to address these issues.

The 20th edition of the Global Risks Report places sustainability challenges at the heart of global concerns:

 

  • Environmental risks dominate the long-term risk landscape, with extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem collapse topping the list for the next decade.
  • Climate change emerges as a critical threat multiplier, exacerbating issues such as food insecurity, water crises, and involuntary migration.
  • The failure of climate change mitigation and adaptation is identified as one of the most severe risks in terms of potential impact.
  • Natural resource crises, including water scarcity and raw material shortages, are prominently featured, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable resource management.

Immediate Concerns with Sustainability Implications

While geopolitical tensions lead to short-term risks, many immediate concerns have direct links to sustainability:

  • State-based armed conflict, identified as the top immediate risk by nearly 25% of respondents, often results in environmental degradation and hinders sustainable development efforts.
  • Misinformation and disinformation remain top short-term risks, potentially undermining public understanding and support for crucial sustainability initiatives.
  • Economic challenges, including inflation and cost-of-living crises, underscore the need for sustainable economic models that balance growth with environmental and social considerations.

The Interconnectedness of Sustainability Risks

A key insight from the report is the interconnected nature of sustainability-related risks:

 

  • Environmental degradation exacerbates societal issues, potentially leading to increased poverty, inequality, and social unrest.
  • Economic instability can hinder investments in sustainable infrastructure and clean energy transitions.
  • Technological risks, such as cyber-attacks, can disrupt efforts to implement smart, sustainable urban planning and energy management solutions.

A Call for Sustainable Action

The report emphasises that addressing these complex, interconnected risks requires unprecedented levels of global cooperation and a fundamental shift towards sustainable practices. It calls for:

 

  • Accelerated action on climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
  • Increased investment in circular economy initiatives and sustainable resource management.
  • Enhanced focus on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.
  • Integration of sustainability principles into all aspects of economic planning and corporate strategy.

The Imperative of Sustainable Leadership - Our Role

As the Global Risks Report 2025 makes clear, the challenges we face are deeply intertwined with issues of sustainability. Leaders across all sectors must be equipped to navigate this complex landscape and drive positive change.

As a school dedicated to providing education that aligns with the latest and projected societal and business challenges, we have designed the Sustainability Fundamentals programme. This programme equips professionals with the essential knowledge and tools to understand sustainability’s impact on business, navigate emerging risks, and develop the skills needed to lead in a rapidly evolving world. 

 By participating in this programme, you'll develop a sustainability mindset that allows you to:

 

  • See the big picture of your business in the context of global sustainability risks.
  • Think differently about business development, seizing opportunities in the transition to a sustainable economy.
  • Implement sustainable practices that keep your organisation relevant, competitive, and resilient in the face of global challenges.
  • + Earn your Carbon-Literacy Certification via our programme collaborator, the Carbon Literacy Project.

In Conclusion

As the Global Risks Report 2025 makes clear, the time for action is now. By investing in your sustainability knowledge and skills through programmes like Solvay's Sustainability Fundamentals, you're not just preparing yourself for the future – you're taking a crucial step towards shaping a more resilient, sustainable world for all.

 

 
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