Environment-related risks are among the top five global threats, according to an annual World Economic Forum (WEF) report.

Weapons of mass destruction top the Global Risks Report list when measured in terms of possible impact, followed by extreme weather, water crises, major natural disasters and failure of climate change mitigation and adaptation.

“The environment dominates the global risks landscape,” the WEF report says.

“This shows that ineffective management of the ‘global commons’ – the oceans, atmosphere, and climate system – can have local as well as global consequences.”

The report draws on responses from 750 experts who were asked to assess 30 risks that will shape global developments over the next 10 years.

Hopes of action on climate change following ratification of the Paris Agreement may be short-lived as leaders, notably in the West, face growing voter pressure to lift stagnant wages and challenge globalisation.

“Urgent action is needed among leaders to identify ways to overcome political or ideological differences and work together to solve critical challenges,” WEF Head of Global Competitiveness and Risks Margareta Drzeniek-Hanouz said.

“The momentum of [last year] towards addressing climate change shows this is possible, and offers hope that collective action at the international level aimed at resetting other risks could also be achieved.”