By any standard, our societal performance is unsatisfactory.

In the environment, deforestation strips away more than 25 million acres per year, mostly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Sodium dioxide emissions have risen to over 100 million tons per year for the first time. Global warming has become a global crisis, threatening to create irreversible and catastrophic damage to enormous parts of our eco-system. Even CFC levels, driven down by over 80% in the past, once again are on the rise in developing markets.

AIDS, drug resistant TB, the Nipah virus, CJD, and West Nile Fever are but a few examples of the accelerated spread of disease across a borderless world. With over 15 million deaths to date, AIDS reigns as the most prolific viral killer of all time.

Not nearly enough has been done to address these problems. Only an increase in the quality, focus, and scale of resources can offset future risk and improve current performance.

Learn more about global risks by exploring our sections on health, environment, poverty, and culture, or explore the Act section for specific strategies for change.