Over the past two years, with the impact of COVID-19 diminishing as we have learned to live with the virus, there has been a divergence in the view of pandemic risk around the world. In the US and UK, pandemic risk is expected to remain a low priority. Whereas in Canada the view is that, while the risk is lower (18%), it will increase to 26% in the in 12 month’s time. In Singapore, a laser-sharp focus on pandemic-related concerns (34% in 2022) has given way to divided attention, between accelerating climate change (18%) and environmental damage risks (21%).
However, while the threat has dissipated for the time being, every market predicts that the risk will increase next year, suggesting that the fight against COVID-19 may not be won yet, or that the appearance of another pathogen could pose a significant threat.