Navigating Technological and Demographic Shifts by 2035

Biotechnology: A Double-Edged Sword

• Promise: By 2035, biotech innovations could increase global food production by 20% and reduce healthcare costs by leveraging precision medicine.

• Threats: The accidental release of synthetic pathogens or bioterrorism could cause global economic losses exceeding $1 trillion.

• Governance Gaps: Only 40% of surveyed nations have comprehensive regulatory frameworks for emerging biotech risks.

Strategic Focus: Global regulations and ethical guidelines must keep pace with biotech innovation to ensure safe development.

Super-Ageing Societies

• Economic Strain: By 2035, 1 in 4 people in developed economies will be aged 65 or older, potentially reducing GDP growth by 1-2% annually.

• Healthcare Burden: Age-related diseases could account for 60% of healthcare expenditures in ageing societies.

• Generational Tensions: Rising pension liabilities will increase tax burdens on younger generations, risking political unrest.

Strategic Focus: Policymakers must invest in healthcare innovation, workforce adaptability, and pension reforms.

Lessons from the Past

Over 20 years, environmental risks—extreme weather, biodiversity loss, and pollution—have only grown worse. Extreme weather events now cost the global economy an average of $200 billion annually. While global cooperation has mitigated some risks, many remain unresolved due to fragmented governance.

Call to Action

The report stresses three critical steps:

1. Multilateral Collaboration: Strengthen international agreements on risk management, such as pollution treaties and biotech safety protocols.

2. Long-Term Vision: Prioritise systemic solutions to address underlying structural forces like ageing demographics and resource scarcity.

3. Inclusive Leadership: Engage diverse stakeholders, this includes younger generations, underrepresented communities, and the private sector.

Conclusion

The Global Risks Report 2025 is a wake-up call. From cleaning up pollution to preparing for

extreme weather and ageing populations, the choices we make today will shape our future.

Acting boldly and working together is the only way to build a safer, healthier world.

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* The article is written by Lauren Tan, participant of "The Collision Room" by Astro AWANI, an initiative within Project Sigma, a global program by the Google News Initiative (GNI). She is also a Multiplatform Journalist with Astro AWANI

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