The effects of Ukraine’s war, growing inequality and a coronavir pandemic could push more than 250 million people into extreme poverty in the world this year, according to the international humanitarian organization Oxfam.
“New Oxfam estimates suggest that 263 million people could be plunged into extreme poverty in 2022, given the negative effects of the coronavir pandemic, inequality and rising food and energy prices fueled by the war in Ukraine,” the organization said.
“Poorer countries are facing debt crises and wage purchasing power is falling as corporate incomes rise and billionaire wealth reaches unprecedented levels,” explains Oxfam.
The World Bank has previously estimated that 198 million people are at risk of extreme poverty as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, defined as a survival of less than $ 1.9 a day.
Another 65 million people are at risk from Russia’s attack on Ukraine, including rising energy and food prices.
Thus, the total number of people living in extreme poverty in the world could reach 860 million.
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