Artificial intelligence (AI) and big data have overtaken climate change as the top risk among experts worldwide, underscoring growing concerns that technological development is advancing faster than regulators’ ability to prepare for its potential consequences, says French insurer Axa.
According to Axa Group’s Future Risks Report 2026, which was produced in partnership with Ipsos, AI and big data have for the first time become the top risk among experts globally, overtaking climate change, which has long held the leading position.
The 2026 edition is based on a survey of 4,345 experts across 62 countries and regions, and 24,000 representative members of the general public in 19 countries. Thailand participated in both the expert and general public surveys.
The findings for Thailand, however, revealed a different risk outlook from the global trend.
“While AI and big data emerged as the top risk worldwide, Thai experts continue to rank climate change as the country’s leading concern, reflecting the growing impact of floods, droughts and other extreme weather events. AI and Big Data ranked second, highlighting rising awareness of technology-related risks,” Axa said.
The survey also found that 67% of the Thai public feel personally prepared to deal with crises, such as natural disasters or economic upheaval, significantly higher than the global average of 38%, it added.
Among the global public, climate change remains the leading concern, while AI and big data rose sharply from seventh place in 2025 to second place in 2026, highlighting increasing public awareness of technology-related risks.
Other major global concerns are geopolitical instability, cyber-risks, energy risks, social tensions and movements, social fragmentation, financial stability risks, macroeconomic risks, and natural resources and biodiversity.
Energy risks are rising in the rankings amid geopolitical tensions, increasing demand, notably linked to AI, and the energy transition. At the same time, a new risk has emerged, with social fragmentation entering the top 10 for experts.
Moreover, the context of polycrises is confirmed, with over 90% of experts and members of the public believing that the number of crises has increased in recent years. “These risks are becoming increasingly interconnected, spanning climate, geopolitics, energy, cyberthreats and social fragmentation,” Axa said.
Globally, 59% of the general public feel that there is tension between different age groups, while 71% believe that raising children today is more difficult than it was for previous generations. Meanwhile, 46% are concerned that the next generation will experience a lower quality of life.
The findings also reveal differences in attitudes across age groups, with respondents under 35 more concerned about AI’s impact on employment and health, while those aged 55 and over focus more on technology ethics, geopolitical conflicts and energy stability.
Despite the challenges, 85% of experts and members of the general public worldwide believe that most risks can be prevented or mitigated through stronger preparedness, coordinated action and proactive prevention measures. The findings reinforce the importance of building resilience before crises occur, Axa said.