Global Concerns for 2025: Inflation, AI Job Losses, Climate Change, and Immigration Shape Public Outlook

For 2025, concerns persist over inflation, job losses driven by artificial intelligence, climate change, and increasing immigration. Yet, optimism is cautiously rising among global populations. According to a survey conducted across 33 countries, 71% of respondents believe the coming year will be better than the last — a modest 1-percentage-point increase compared to 2024's outlook. Economic stability, societal anxieties, and advancements in technology remain central themes shaping the global perspective.

The survey, which gathered responses from 23,721 adults between October 25 and November 8, highlights a subtle shift in sentiment. Despite the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and geopolitical conflicts, fewer people view 2024 as a particularly bad year. The proportion of those describing it as a bad year for their families dropped to 51% (down from 53% in 2023), while those saying the same about their countries declined to 65% (down from 70%). These figures suggest that while challenges remain, a gradual easing of negativity reflects resilience and a cautious hope for improvement.

Economic and Societal Outlook for 2025

Concerns about inflation remain prominent, with 79% of respondents predicting that prices will rise faster than incomes in 2025, continuing a consistent trend since 2022. Tax increases are also widely anticipated (74%), reflecting persistent unease about financial pressures. However, expectations for rising interest rates have notably declined, suggesting a belief that central banks may finally ease monetary tightening policies.

For Latinos in the U.S., the economic narrative resonates with broader concerns about rising costs and job security. While the fear of artificial intelligence displacing jobs persists (65%), a growing number recognize its potential to create opportunities (43%), signaling a nuanced perception of technological change.

In Latin America, economic anxieties mirror global trends, with inflation and unemployment topping public concerns. Nations like Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina continue to grapple with these issues, with respondents expressing guarded optimism about potential economic stabilization. In Brazil and Argentina, for instance, expectations of rising prices and economic instability are particularly pronounced.

Immigration Expectations Diverge

Immigration continues to be a polarizing issue globally, with 67% of surveyeds across 33 countries expecting an increase in immigration to their nations in 2025. This figure represents a slight decrease from 71% in 2024, yet anxiety surrounding migration persists, often outweighing actual migration trends. For instance, countries like Turkey (84%) and Spain (80%) express significantly higher expectations of rising immigration compared to the United States (56%) and Canada (55%), which have historically been major migrant destinations. Ipsos pointed out that respthese disparities suggest that public perception of immigration is often shaped more by societal anxieties and political discourse than by empirical data.

Fears About Job Displacement

Technological advancements remain a double-edged sword. While many anticipate job losses due to AI, there is hope for innovation in sectors like healthcare and transportation, with 40% believing a cure for cancer could be within reach.

Climate Change Feelings

Environmental anxieties persist, with the study highlighting that 80% predicting rising global temperatures and 72% expecting more extreme weather events. Fewer people believe their governments will implement stronger measures to combat climate change. The proportion of surveyed expecting the introduction of stricter carbon emission targets has dropped by 3 percentage points compared to last year, now standing at 52%.