As the world steps into the second half of 2025, global concerns remain as varied and pressing as ever. Ipsos’s latest “What Worries the World – June 2025” report sheds light on the primary issues weighing on the minds of people across continents. From economic uncertainty and climate change to geopolitical tensions and public health challenges, this comprehensive survey captures the evolving fears and priorities that define our current global landscape. In this article, we delve into the key findings of the report, exploring what keeps the world awake at night and what these concerns reveal about the collective mindset in mid-2025.
Global Economic Uncertainty Drives Rising Anxiety Among Populations
Economic instability on a global scale continues to fuel widespread concern among citizens in diverse regions, with many expressing unease about their immediate financial futures. According to recent surveys, individuals report that fluctuating currencies, rising inflation, and unpredictable markets are top triggers of their anxiety. These financial pressures are not only impacting household budgets but are also undermining trust in long-term economic policies and international cooperation.
Key factors contributing to this growing tension include:
- Persistent inflation rates outpacing wage growth
- Volatile stock markets reflecting global political instability
- Supply chain disruptions affecting essential goods and services
- Uncertainty surrounding employment opportunities in shifting economies
| Region | Percentage Reporting Increased Anxiety | Primary Economic Concern | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North America | 68% | Inflation & Job Security | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Europe | 72% | Energy Prices & Market Volatility | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asia-Pacific | 61% | Supply Chain & Currency Fluctuations |
| Issue | Concern Level (%) | Increase Since 2024 (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Change | 72 | 10 |
| Pollution | 65 | 8 |
| Water Scarcity | 58 | 12 |
| Biodiversity Loss | 54 | 9 |
Experts Urge Unified Policy Actions to Address Emerging Global Threats
Global leaders and experts are calling for coordinated and decisive measures to counteract a rising tide of interconnected challenges that threaten international stability. These multifaceted risks range from climate disasters and cybersecurity breaches to geopolitical tensions and public health crises. According to recent analyses, fragmented approaches have proven insufficient, with experts emphasizing that only unified strategies can effectively mitigate the cascading consequences of these threats. Collaboration across nations, industries, and institutions is viewed as essential to ensuring resilient infrastructures and safeguarding vulnerable populations.
The proposed framework highlights several key areas demanding urgent attention:
- Comprehensive data-sharing protocols to enhance early warning systems.
- Joint investments in sustainable technologies to combat environmental degradation.
- Global cybersecurity coalitions to defend against cross-border digital attacks.
- Strengthened healthcare networks focused on pandemic preparedness and rapid response.
- Diplomatic engagement to ease geopolitical strains and foster peacebuilding.
| Threat Category | Recommended Policy Action | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Change | Global carbon emission targets and green infrastructure funding | Reduced global warming and increased resilience |
| Cybersecurity | International cyber defense alliances and information exchange | Improved threat detection and rapid containment |
| Public Health | Unified disease surveillance and vaccine distribution programs | Minimized outbreak impacts and stronger global health security |
To Wrap It Up
As June 2025 draws to a close, the Ipsos survey underscores the pressing concerns that continue to shape public discourse worldwide. From economic uncertainties and climate change to geopolitical tensions and health crises, the worries highlighted reflect a complex and interconnected global landscape. Understanding these collective anxieties is crucial for policymakers, businesses, and communities aiming to address the challenges ahead. As the world navigates these turbulent times, ongoing monitoring of public sentiment will remain essential in crafting informed responses and fostering resilience.