Nearly 900 million people around the world live in poverty while facing serious climate risks. This staggering figure comes from a recent UN report that highlights the deep connection between poverty and climate challenges.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) have released the latest Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). Their findings stress how inequality and climate change are closely linked, affecting those most in need.
According to the UNDP, about 887 million people living in multidimensional poverty are directly exposed to extreme heat, flooding, drought, or air pollution. UNDP Acting Administrator Haoliang Xu emphasizes the urgency of addressing this issue: “To tackle global poverty, we must also confront the climate risks impacting millions of the poorest.” He warns that climate change hits the poor the hardest.
The report analyzes data from 109 countries, covering 6.3 billion people. It looks at various factors of poverty, such as health, education, and living conditions. The findings show that as of 2024, approximately 1.1 billion people are in “acute multidimensional poverty,” with children making up half of this group. Little has changed since last year.
Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia are the regions most affected, with 565 million and 390 million poor people, respectively. Both regions are particularly vulnerable to climate threats like heatwaves and floods. Alarmingly, about 78.8% of these poor populations face at least one climate hazard:
- Extreme heat: 608 million
- Air pollution: 577 million
- Flooding: 465 million
- Drought: 207 million
Of those exposed, 651 million deal with two or more climate threats at once. This overlap shows the urgent need for effective strategies that address both climate change and poverty. Understanding where these challenges intersect can help in creating better support for vulnerable populations.
The situation is dire in some South Asian countries, where over 99% of people living in poverty face at least one major climate threat. This stark reality calls for climate resilience to be part of poverty reduction efforts.
As we look ahead, the upcoming COP30 climate summit is a crucial moment for global leaders. The UNDP and OPHI are advocating for swift and coordinated action to protect the most vulnerable populations and prevent climate change from undoing years of hard-won progress in human development.
Experts suggest that integrating climate resilience in development strategies can create a stronger foundation for future growth. With the right approach, we can work towards a safer and more equitable world for all.
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Air Pollution,Climate change,Drought,Extreme heat,Flooding,Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI),Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative,poverty,UNDP,United Nations Development Programme
