What risks do we face in the future?

Under Pressure 26 January 2021

What are the biggest global risks? The World Economic Forum has published its 16th edition of the Global Risks Report. At the top of the list unsurprisingly is infections diseases closely followed by livelihood crises, putting Covid-19 as the most critical issue we all face. The remaining priority risks that we may face in the next two years are extreme weather events, followed by cyber threats and digital inequality.

In the next three to five years the knock-on effects of Covid-19 are highlighted including economic challenges, debt problems and IT infrastructure collapse. It is not a happy note but the report states:

The immediate human and economic cost of COVID-19 is severe. It threatens to scale back years of progress on reducing poverty and inequality and to further weaken social cohesion and global cooperation. Job losses, a widening digital divide, disrupted social interactions, and abrupt shifts in markets could lead to dire consequences and lost opportunities for large parts of the global population.

The full report can be found here.

Pandemic Media Training

The World Health Organisation together with UNDP and UNESCO have developed training to help journalists reporting on the pandemic. It is available in English, French and Arabic. Find out more here. There are also tips on how to report about vaccines that appeared last week from the WHO. They are also useful to communicators who are developing statements, key messages and narratives both externally and internally. Read the top tips here.

Complex Multiple Crises

Storm Christoph has revealed some challenges that UK crisis response has yet to overcome, according to Professor Lee Miles from Bournemouth University. The Professor of Crisis and Disaster Management has highlighted concerns around the multiple messaging about leaving home at a time of a stay home order linked to Covid-19. Read the details here.

Finland not prepared for pandemic

A report by Deloitte has identified that Finland was not prepared for the high levels of Covid-19 last summer. Read the details here.

If you want help to prepare for risks and crisis in the future just get in touch. A range of support packages are available - amanda@amandacolemancomms.co.uk

In Brief:

• An analysis of the crisis communications response from universities in China, Canada and the United States may make interesting reading for those in and around the education sector. It appeared on the University Affairs website. Read the details here.

• The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) has produced an interesting video looking at how South Korea’s preparations have supported their response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Watch the video here.

• Read my latest blog questioning whether the time is right for a change in pandemic messaging to help those struggling with their mental health. Find out my views here.

• Watch out for the February edition of Testing Times which is due out later this week for those who are on the distribution list, and will feature in the next edition of Under Pressure.