Global poverty remains one of the most pressing challenges of our time, reflecting a deepening divide in the world's wealth. Despite advances in technology, medicine, and economic systems, billions of people continue to live in conditions of extreme deprivation. This chapter introduces the complexities of global poverty, exploring its definition, scope, and implications for societies worldwide.
At its core, poverty is not merely a lack of income but a multifaceted issue encompassing inadequate access to basic needs such as food, clean water, healthcare, and education. The World Bank defines extreme poverty as living on less than $2.15 a day, a figure that starkly contrasts with the extravagant wealth enjoyed by the world's richest individuals and nations. Beyond material deprivation, poverty often strips individuals of dignity, opportunity, and hope for a better future.
The scale of global poverty is staggering. According to the United Nations, over 700 million people live in extreme poverty, with the vast majority concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. However, poverty is not confined to developing nations; it exists in wealthy countries as well, manifesting as homelessness, food insecurity, and lack of affordable housing. This disparity between the wealthy and the impoverished underscores a global system that perpetuates inequality.
