A recent Ipsos survey of over 23,700 people across 33 countries explored global predictions for the coming year, covering topics from technology and the environment to world security. While the survey reflects public sentiment rather than expert analysis, it provides a valuable snapshot of global perspectives.
A strong consensus emerged regarding rising global temperatures, with 80% of respondents predicting further warming. This belief was particularly prevalent in Indonesia (91%), the Philippines (89%), and Malaysia (88%). Over 70% also anticipated more extreme weather events in their respective countries. However, only 52% believed their governments would implement stricter carbon emission targets, with China being the most optimistic about such action (84%).
Pessimism prevailed regarding the resolution of conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. Only about 20% foresaw an end to the Middle East conflict in 2025, and less than 30% held the same view for Ukraine, a 4-point decrease from the previous year. Global tolerance was also a concern, with only one in three respondents expecting increased tolerance in their country, a 2-point drop from last year.
Regarding the digital realm, nearly two-thirds of respondents expected AI to displace jobs in 2025, while 43% also believed AI would create new jobs. The prevalence of virtual worlds was also expected to increase, with 59% agreeing that more people would inhabit them next year, up from 56% in 2022.
Planning to save more money is once again top of mind for many Americans making resolutions for 2025. Data from a recent survey by Statista shows that one in five U.S. adults is committing to a financial goal. Vows to eat healthier, exercise more, and lose weight were the next most commonly cited resolutions this year, picked by between 15-19 percent of respondents. Four in ten U.S. respondents said that they do not plan on making any resolutions for next year.