One out of every four countries participating in the World Economic Forum's (WEF) survey ranked 'energy supply shortage' among the top 5 risks to themselves.
The Global Risks Report, published before the WEF's Annual Meetings held in Davos every year, included the “National Risk Perceptions” survey conducted between April and August 2024.
Within the scope of the survey, more than 11,000 participants from 121 countries were asked, 'What are the five risks most likely to pose the greatest threat to your country in the next two years?'.
30 of the countries reported that they see energy supply shortages as one of the five biggest risks. The list consisted of 34 risks. In this context, 9 countries ranked energy supply shortages first.
Accordingly, Zimbabwe, Venezuela, Zambia, Taiwan, South Africa, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Lesotho and Honduras were the countries that saw energy supply shortages as the number one risk.
Among the countries that ranked energy supply shortages among the top 5 risks were Germany, Australia, Chad, Cameroon, Ecuador, Gabon, Northern Iraq, Japan, Iceland, Ireland, Mali, Mali and Malta.
In addition, Laos, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Norway, Mongolia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Switzerland and Uzbekistan also ranked it among the top 5 risks due to concerns about energy supply.
Thus, nearly one out of every four countries in the assessment drew attention to the danger of energy supply shortages.
Among the 34 risks listed in the survey were armed conflicts, loss of biodiversity, terrorist attacks, attacks on critical infrastructure, chronic health problems, negative consequences of artificial intelligence technologies, poverty, inadequate public services and social protections, cyber security, environmental pollution.
The report defines 'global risk' as the probability of an event or situation occurring that, if realized, would adversely affect a significant portion of global GDP, population or natural resources.
The report called on countries to prioritize dialogue, strengthen international ties and promote cooperation to prevent instability, rebuild trust and ensure a sustainable and inclusive future for all.
By Murat Temizer
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr