Why Is Climate Change No Longer Considered A National Security Threat?
Some say President Donald Trump's recent decision is part of his effort to nix Obama-era climate change rules that Trump says hurt the U.S. economy.
LEARN MOREClimate Threats Are Expected To Increase In 2018
Experts at the World Economic Forum think fallout from the changing climate will be one of 2018's biggest global problems.
Climate Threats Are Expected To Increase In 2018
NASA
January 17, 2018
Each year, the World Economic Forum compiles a list of the most pressing threats to humanity. And this year, as with previous years, it predicts some of the biggest challenges will be climate-related.
Experts agree that failure to slow climate change, stronger natural disasters and more extreme weather events will pose some of the greatest risks to global society in 2018. Last year is a good example of what could be in store; record heat and unprecedented financial tolls from natural disasters were hallmarks in 2017.
The report ranked climate threats higher than others, like terrorism or infectious disease, partly because climate issues can lead to even more problems. Soaring temperatures can deplete food stocks or force populations to migrate. Severe storms can ruin infrastructure — as Hurricane Maria did across Puerto Rico.
The forum repeated its encouragement from last year and from other international groups like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change: The best counter to climate threats that affect everyone is cooperation.
World and business leaders will discuss their path forward at the forum's annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, starting Jan. 23. Even President Donald Trump is expected to attend — the first U.S. president to do so in 18 years.
3:03
Research finds climate change is making allergy season worse
A review of data shows the rate of temperature increase correlates to a rise in the number of patients suffering from nasal and sinus problems.
UN report: We're losing progress in fight against climate change
A new report finds Earth will likely hit a critical climate change threshold in the coming years.
Oregon eyes mandate for climate change lessons in schools
Dozens of Oregon high schoolers submitted support of the bill, saying they care about climate change deeply.
Top Stories
1:49
US, Canada end loophole that let asylum-seekers cross border
Authorities from both sides have been eager to end the process that allowed immigrants to pursue asylum cases without using official crossings.
2:45
FAA calls on airlines to help prevent another travel meltdown
The FAA is changing some practices due to recent runway incursion events, and addressing possible effects of staffing shortages.
2:30
Why are some citizens protesting in France?
Hundreds of people were arrested in clashes amid some the biggest protests so far against the raising of France's retirement age.
