NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — As the new year begins, what will keep the world’s executives up at night?
CEOs globally rank intensified trade wars as the top geopolitical risk to their companies. They say tensions between the US, EU, and China will have the greatest geopolitical impact, according to a new survey from The Conference Board.
When it comes to economic risks, leaders can’t seem to kick the recession jitters. Concern of an economic downturn remains high: 46% of CEOs globally identify it as a high-impact issue in 2025—down modestly from 53% in 2024.
Amid geopolitical and geoeconomic tumult, more CEOs are strengthening their supply chains. Among US CEOs, 71% plan to alter their supply chains over the next 3-5 years—an increase from 54% in the 2024 survey.
CEOs also weighed in on AI. They say the biggest benefit has been workforce productivity, demonstrating AI’s ability to support workers rather than replace them…at least for now. However, many are struggling to integrate the technology because of talent concerns: 45% of CEOs globally say lack of expertise is the top challenge to implementing AI.
This year’s survey reflects the views of more than 1,700 executives, including over 500 CEOs. The survey’s participants—CEOs, C-suite leaders, and board directors—weighed in on the top business threats and opportunities in 2025. They were primarily from four regions: North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
CEOs say a global trade war and US-EU-China tensions are top geopolitical challenges in 2025
Global instability and competition on the front burner: Amid talk of tougher trade policy, CEOs worldwide named US-EU-China tensions among the high-impact issues facing their business in 2025. That ranges from 34% of US CEOs to nearly 50% in Asia and Europe.
Leaders remain focused on cyberattacks: 25% of CEOs and 36% of C-suite executives name it a high-impact issue in 2025. Fears of a foreign cyberattack rank high among risks CEOs fear most in the US (45%) and Europe (35%).
Risks vary by region: Among economy-related geopolitical risks, CEOs cited higher energy prices (35%) as their top risk. That includes 47% of CEOs in Japan and Europe, and 36% of Europe’s CEOs also fearing energy supply risks.
RECESSION
Recession tops the economic worry list: CEOs say it’s their #1 economic concern in 2025
The fear of a downturn persists: Globally, 46% of CEOs identified a downturn/recession as a high-impact issue for 2025. That’s down modestly from 53% in last year’s survey.
Recession is the top concern for all regions excluding Japan: Japan’s CEOs top concern is labor shortages (66%).
DEBT in the US
A ticking time bomb: US CEOs remain deeply worried about the nation’s debt
Top concerns: An outsized 51% of US CEOs see US national debt and deficits, followed by decoupling or derisking from China, as the greatest external geopolitical concerns for their businesses.
Policy & globalization impacts: Regarding what they think will have the greatest impact, issues cited by US CEOs include US debt & deficits (38%), regulation (32%), protectionism (27%), corp. tax rates (22%), immigration (21%).
SUPPLY CHAINS
Supply chain resiliency gains momentum: More CEOs are planning to shake things up
A big increase among US CEOs: 71% of US CEOs plan to alter their supply chains in the next 3-5 years. It’s a significant increase from 54% in last year’s survey.
A big increase among Europe’s CEOs: 77% plan to alter their supply chains, an increase from 61% in 2024.
The how—top changes being made to supply chains: CEOs across most regions—excluding the US—are using digital technology/AI to improve performance tracking as a primary goal. US CEOs chose vendor diversification.
The why—top reasons for altering supply chains: Among the roughly 80% of CEOs looking to alter supply chains, most are doing so to lower costs and risk of supply chain disruptions.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
CEOs are struggling to integrate AI…mainly because they don’t have the right talent
Lack of talent: Among CEOs globally, 45% say lack of expertise is the top challenge to implementing AI.
Is worker resistance overblown? Only 9% of CEOs cite worker resistance as a top challenge to implementation.
In what areas has AI made the biggest improvements? According to CEOs globally, workforce productivity (44%), customer satisfaction (25%), innovation (24%), operational resilience (18%), and ROI from marketing (12%).
ESG
As extreme weather events intensify, climate events are top of mind for CEOs globally
Concerns/Risks: Among CEOs globally, 34% cite climate events as the top ESG factor impacting business. That’s second to only sustainability, cited by 39%.
Priorities: When it comes to environmental priorities, there are stark regional differences.
Among CEOs globally, renewable energy tops the list.
US CEOs are most focused on climate resilience/adaptation.
Europe and Japan’s CEOs are most focused on carbon neutrality.
CEOs in other areas of Asia are most focused on renewable energy.
PROFIT PLANS
Outside of Japan, few CEOs are looking to raise prices in 2025. Instead, the focus is on innovation, tech, and product development.
Innovation leads: Worldwide, 37% of CEOs say innovation is a top priority for growing profits, followed by introducing new products/services (29%) and investing in technology, including AI (26%).
Just 13% expect to increase prices.
Higher budgets for marketing tech: 37% of CEOs globally—including 57% in Europe and 31% in the US—say they plan to increase their marketing budgets by 10% or more on AI and data analytics to support the drive for profits.
About The Conference Board The Conference Board is the member-driven think tank that delivers Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead™. Founded in 1916, we are a non-partisan, not-for-profit entity holding 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in the United States. www.ConferenceBoard.org
(Family Features) As temperatures soar during the summer months, many homeowners find themselves relying heavily on air conditioning to stay cool. Comfort doesn’t have to come at the cost of high energy bills, however. With a few smart strategies and routine maintenance, you can efficiently and affordably keep your home cool.
Here are some top tips to maximize your air conditioning system’s energy efficiency this summer.
1. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
Just like a car, your AC unit runs best when it’s well-maintained. A dirty or poorly functioning system uses more energy to do the same job.
Maintenance checklist:
Inspect or replace air filters every 2-3 months. The frequency of air filter replacement depends on several factors, including the type of filter, the system and living conditions.
Check and clean the evaporator and condenser coils.
Clear debris from around the outdoor unit.
Have a professional HVAC technician inspect your system annually, ideally before peak usage.
2. Install and Use a Smart ThermostatSmart thermostats are one of the easiest and most effective upgrades you can make to your home’s cooling system. For example, Carrier’s Smart Thermostat allows you to control your home’s temperature remotely via smartphone and comes with learning features that adapt to your schedule and preferences.
Set your smart thermostat to raise the temperature while you’re away and cool the home down just before you return. Even raising the thermostat by 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day can save up to 10% a year on cooling costs.
3. Seal and Insulate Your Home
Cool air escaping through leaks or inadequate insulation forces your air conditioner to work harder. Ensuring your home is sealed and insulated properly can significantly improve efficiency.
Quick fixes:
Use weatherstripping on doors and windows.
Seal leaks around ducts, vents and pipes.
Add insulation to attics and walls, if needed.
4. Use Ceiling Fans Wisely
Ceiling fans don’t lower a room’s temperature, but they help circulate air, making you feel cooler.
Efficiency tip: Use ceiling fans in occupied rooms only and make sure they’re spinning counterclockwise in the summer to push cool air down.
5. Block Out the Sun
Sunlight streaming through windows can significantly increase your home’s indoor temperature.
Simple solutions:
Close blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the day.
Consider installing reflective window films or insulated blackout curtains.
Use awnings or plant shade trees to block direct sunlight.
6. Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Unit
If your AC system is more than 10-15 years old, it might be time to consider upgrading to a newer, energy-efficient model. Look for units with a high SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating and the ENERGY STAR label. As a leader in modern day air conditioning, Carrier offers some of the most innovative and efficient central air conditioning units available.
Many manufacturers and utility companies offer rebates for installing high-efficiency systems and some tax credits may still be available.
7. Avoid Heat Buildup
Reduce the amount of heat your home generates during the day by being mindful of appliance usage.
Tips:
Cook with a microwave or grill instead of the oven.
Run dishwashers and dryers at night.
Switch to LED lightbulbs, which produce less heat than incandescent ones.
By combining smart technology, routine maintenance and simple home adjustments, you can enjoy a cooler home without sacrificing energy efficiency. You can help lower monthly bills but also extend the lifespan of your air conditioning system, keeping you comfortable all summer long. Find more information, including additional rebate information, by visiting Carrier.com.
SOURCE:Carrier
WASHINGTON /PRNewswire/ — The cost of everyday goods and services can present a challenge to many. Are you behind on your home energy bill? Having trouble paying for health care? If you are experiencing financial hardship, federal government benefit programs may be able to help you. See what you and your family could be eligible for, the type of temporary financial support you can receive, and how to apply.
Get the Help You Need to Pay Your Bills.
Looking for food assistance? Explore food assistance programs, including searching for a local food bank, finding food and nutrition programs that focus on the needs of older Americans age 60 and over, or applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also known as food stamps).
In search of health insurance? If you don’t have health insurance through a job or another source that provides health coverage, the Healthcare.gov Health Insurance Marketplace can help you. Learn if you’re eligible to save money on coverage, get tips to select a plan that’s right for you, and learn how to apply.
Need help with your energy bill? The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides federally funded assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply for LIHEAP benefits.
Looking to connect to the internet? If you are struggling to pay for an internet connection, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) can help you get discounted internet service. The ACP is a benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. Learn more about the eligibility requirements, participating internet providers, and the steps to enroll in the program.
Find the government programs and services you need to help make life a little easier for you and your family at USA.gov. Let USAGov be your guide. Subscribe to official emails. For quick and timely updates follow @USAGov on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Socially Engaged Design of Nuclear Energy Technologies
What prompted the idea for the course?
The two of us had some experience with participatory design coming into this course, and we had a shared interest in bringing virtual reality into a first-year design class at the University of Michigan.
It seemed like a good fit to help students learn about nuclear technologies, given that hands-on experience can be difficult to provide in that context. We both wanted to teach students about the social and environmental implications of engineering work, too.
Aditi is a nuclear engineer and had been using participatory design in her research, and Katie had been teaching ethics and design to engineering students for many years.
What does the course explore?
Broadly, the course explores engineering design. We introduce our students to the principles of nuclear engineering and energy systems design, and we go through ethical concerns. They also learn communication strategies – like writing for different audiences.
Students learn to design the exterior features of nuclear energy facilities in collaboration with local communities. The course focuses on a different nuclear energy technology each year.
In the first year, the focus was on fusion energy systems. In fall 2024, we looked at locating nuclear microreactors near local communities.
The main project was to collaboratively decide where a microreactor might be sited, what it might look like, and what outcomes the community would like to see versus which would cause concern.
Students also think about designing nuclear systems with both future generations and a shared common good in mind.
The class explores engineering as a sociotechnical practice – meaning that technologies are not neutral. They shape and affect social life, for better and for worse. To us, a sociotechnical engineer is someone who adheres to scientific and engineering fundamentals, communicates ethically and designs in collaboration with the people who are likely to be affected by their work.
In class, we help our students reflect on these challenges and responsibilities.
Why is this course relevant now?
Nuclear energy system design is advancing quickly, allowing engineers to rethink how they approach design. Fusion energy systems and fission microreactors are two areas of rapidly evolving innovation.
Microreactors are smaller than traditional nuclear energy systems, so planners can place them closer to communities. These smaller reactors will likely be safer to run and operate, and may be a good fit for rural communities looking to transition to carbon-neutral energy systems.
But for the needs, concerns and knowledge of local people to shape the design process, local communities need to be involved in these reactor siting and design conversations.
Students in the course explore nuclear facilities in virtual reality.Thomas Barwick/DigitalVision via Getty Images
What materials does the course feature?
We use virtual reality models of both fission and fusion reactors, along with models of energy system facilities. AI image generators are helpful for rapid prototyping – we have used these in class with students and in workshops.
This year, we are also inviting students to do some hands-on prototyping with scrap materials for a project on nuclear energy systems.
What will the course prepare students to do?
Students leave the course understanding that community engagement is an essential – not optional – component of good design. We equip students to approach technology use and development with users’ needs and concerns in mind.
Specifically, they learn how to engage with and observe communities using ethical, respectful methods that align with the university’s engineering research standards.
What’s a critical lesson from the course?
As instructors, we have an opportunity – and probably also an obligation – to learn from students as much as we are teaching them course content. Gen Z students have grown up with environmental and social concerns as centerpieces of their media diets, and we’ve noticed that they tend to be more strongly invested in these topics than previous generations of engineering students.
Aditi Verma, Assistant Professor of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, University of Michigan and Katie Snyder, Lecturer III in Technical Communication, College of Engineering, University of Michigan
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Smart thermostats are one of the easiest and most effective upgrades you can make to your home’s cooling system. For example, Carrier’s 
