How to manage global catastrophic risk

The sea level changes caused by climate change have already evicted thousands from their homes. World poverty is so extreme that the eight richest people in the world are more wealthy than the poorest half of the world combined. Pandemics such as the Zika virus and Ebola have threatened entire countries. Weapons of mass destruction and nuclear arsenals are still stockpiled by powerful nations. These are just some of the potentially catastrophic risks the world faces today.

On February 15, Governance Studies at Brookings hosted an event to discuss the management of global catastrophic risk. For decades, international organizations such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank have helped national, regional, and global leaders tackle these challenges. However, many believe that new approaches and fresh thinking are needed in the global governance arena. What are these different perspectives? Are the U.N., IMF, World Bank, and other supranational organizations equipped to meet the new challenges of the modern era? Are there different organizations or institutions that are better suited for the problem-solving needed today?