"Potential catastrophe" refers to a situation or event that has the possibility of causing great harm, damage, or disaster in the future. It indicates that there is a chance something very bad might happen. Full definition
The natural world faces potential catastrophe because of the combined effect of global warming and habitat destruction. (hubpages.com)
Finally, even if your coverage is solid today — and your rates are under control — the future no doubt has packed some surprises, and you want to anticipate as many potential catastrophes as possible and plan against them. (netquote.com)
«[W] orld leaders have failed to act with the speed or on the scale required to protect citizens from potential catastrophe. (sciencemag.org)