UN: An additional 207 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty by 2030 due to the severe long-term impact of the coronavirus pandemic, bringing the total number of the world’s extremely poor population to more than a billion, a new study conducted by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) has found.
The study assesses the impact of different Covid-19 recovery scenarios alongside Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), evaluating the multidimensional effects of the pandemic over the next decade. The study is part of a long-standing partnership between the UNDP and the Pardee Center for International Futures at the University of Denver.
According to the research team, the “Baseline COVID” scenario, based on current mortality rates and the most recent growth projections by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), would result in an additional 44 million people living in extreme poverty by 2030 compared to the development trajectory the world was on before the pandemic. Under a “High Damage” scenario, where the recovery is protracted, Covid-19 is likely to push an additional 207 million people into extreme poverty by 2030.
According to the World Bank, the rate of extreme poverty has declined by 26 per cent in the last 25 years (1990–2015). Despite this, if those living in poverty globally are divided on the basis of income, then 10 percent of the world’s population is living at less than Rs 139.15 per day. At the same time, a quarter of the people are forced to live for less than Rs 234.36 and more than 40 per cent of the population, about 330 crore people, less than Rs 402.81 per day.
According to the Center for Science and Environment (CSE) report, the global poverty rate will rise for the first time in 22 years due to COVID-19 pandemic. About 12 million people will be added to India’s poor population, which is the highest in the world. The ‘State of India’s Environment in Figures 2020’ report states that 40-60 million people would be living in extreme poverty as the source of income ends due to the lockdown.
An analysis of the World Food Program has revealed that due to the Corona virus, 130 million people could be pushed to the brink of starvation by the end of 2020. In this way, the total number of people facing starvation could reach to 265 million.