For the first time since the AXA Future Risks Report was launched, risks related to artificial intelligence and big data rank first among experts, ahead of climate change.

The 2026 edition marks a turning point as it shows changing perceptions of emerging risks among thousands of experts and members of the public worldwide.

Climate change nevertheless remains a major concern. It continues to rank as the number one risk for the public and comes first across all age groups. Meanwhile, AI has risen to second place among the public, compared with seventh place last year.

The good news is that 95 per cent of experts and members of the public believe that the risks that concern them most can be at least partly prevented through prevention measures. This may feed into the view that climate change mitigation measures are becoming increasingly effective. A majority of the public also says it is willing to adopt behaviours that reduce its exposure to risk too.

The top ten emerging risks identified by experts in 2026:
1. AI & big data
2. Climate change
3. Geopolitical instability
4. Cybersecurity risks
5. Energy risks
6. Social tensions & social movements
7. Social fragmentation
8. Financial stability risks
9. Macroeconomic risks
10. Natural resources & biodiversity

---