CEOs fear companies won’t survive AI, climate change – PwC survey
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — A PwC survey of over 4,700 global CEOs reveals growing concerns about corporate longevity amid mounting pressures from artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and climate change.
Despite more positive economic outlooks, with 38% of executives optimistic from 18% in 2023, 45% now believe their organizations may fold within a decade without transformation. That’s up from 39% previously.
Nearly three-quarters of CEOs foresee major AI impacts on operations soon, though risks like misinformation and cyber threats loom large. Over half think AI will enhance products and services. However, 69% agree employees need more training to leverage the technology.
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Climate change also weighs heavily, as almost a third of CEOs expect it to prompt business model changes shortly.
“However, too many CEOs report having no plans for a range of other climate actions. For example, fewer than half of all respondents have incorporated climate risk into financial planning—and nearly one-third have no plans to do so,” the report said.
PwC noted that not only CEOs but every part of the organization can potentially own part of the solution.
“CEOs who are serious about reinvention must find approaches for acknowledging concerns, prizing curiosity and openness to learning, and encouraging managers to help people adapt.”
