The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increase in the number of people living in extreme poverty, for the first time in a generation. Global poverty reduction was dealt a severe blow due to this.
UN claims in 2020, with 71 million more people living in extreme poverty than the year before, the COVID-19 crisis caused the biggest setback in global poverty reduction in decades.
As per the World Bank’s recent reports, if the current trend continues, it is projected that by 2030, a shocking 575 million people will still be living in extreme poverty, and 84 million children will not be able to attend school.
Poverty is still a big problem in the world, as we can see from the numbers. This is in spite of the progress that we see around us today. A study shows that the more developed a country becomes, the larger the income gap grows. Economic growth has a strong and direct correlation with decreasing poverty levels, but it cannot not solve the problems associated with poverty all alone.
Apart from this, we cannot control poverty and inequality without addressing intertwined global challenges, such as conflict and dialogue development and climate change.
One must admit, lack of education is also among the strongest indicators of the likelihood that an individual or household will live in poverty. People who are illiterate or have low levels of education are more likely to be unemployed than their better-educated counterparts. In contrary, countries with high levels of illiteracy often have correspondingly underdeveloped economies.
Breaking the cycle of poverty involves decent and productive jobs, sustainable developments towards climate action and economic transformation. Reducing poverty is doable. Now more than ever, we have the technology and the tools we need to end it. What we need is to increase our efforts and support current initiatives at national and international level.
KNOW YOUR AUTHOR โ The Life of Ashreeta Mohanty
Ashreeta Mohanty is a distinguished Indian ITES professional, acclaimed author, dedicated environmentalist, and fervent sports enthusiast based in Gujarat, India. Renowned for her multifaceted talents and impactful contributions across diverse domains, she is celebrated for her literary prowess, focusing on critical socio-economic issues, gender equality, women empowerment, and environmental stewardship. Born and raised in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Ashreeta excelled in her academic pursuits, culminating in a Bachelorโs degree in Electronics & Communication Engineering. Her academic foundation provided her with a robust platform to thrive in her chosen fields, blending technology expertise with a passion for societal discourse. Transitioning from engineering to literature, Ashreeta embarked on a transformative journey as an author, blogger, and advocate.
