Fact Check: Global poverty is a significant issue affecting millions worldwide.

Fact Check: "Global poverty is a significant issue affecting millions worldwide."

What We Know

Global poverty remains a pressing issue, with significant implications for millions of people around the world. According to a June 2025 update from the World Bank, approximately 9% of the global population is projected to be living in extreme poverty by 2030, which translates to around 696 million individuals surviving on less than $3.00 a day. This figure highlights the ongoing struggle against poverty, despite efforts to reduce it since the establishment of the international poverty line in 1990.

The World Bank's methodology for measuring poverty has evolved, incorporating new purchasing power parities (PPPs) to better reflect the cost of living in different countries. The latest update reflects a shift from the previous poverty line of $2.15 to $3.00 per person per day, indicating an increase in the threshold for what constitutes extreme poverty based on updated data on basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter (World Bank).

In addition to monetary poverty, the World Bank also reports on multidimensional poverty, which considers various deprivations beyond income. As of 2024, around 1.1 billion people, including 566 million children, are estimated to live in multidimensional poverty, accounting for over 18% of the world's population (World Vision).

Analysis

The claim that global poverty is a significant issue affecting millions is supported by robust data from credible sources. The World Bank, a leading international financial institution, provides comprehensive statistics and analyses regarding global poverty trends. Their reports indicate that despite progress in reducing poverty over the past few decades, a substantial number of individuals remain trapped in extreme poverty, particularly in low-income countries (World Bank).

Moreover, the Global Risks Report 2025 from the World Economic Forum highlights the interconnectedness of global risks, including economic instability and rising poverty levels, which can exacerbate existing inequalities. This report underscores the importance of addressing poverty as part of broader economic and social strategies.

However, it is essential to consider the limitations of the data. The World Bank's poverty lines, while useful for global comparisons, may not fully capture the nuances of poverty in specific national contexts. National poverty lines are often more relevant for local policy-making and understanding the specific challenges faced by populations (World Bank). Additionally, the methodologies used to calculate poverty can vary, which may affect the interpretation of trends over time.

Conclusion

The claim that "global poverty is a significant issue affecting millions worldwide" is True. The evidence presented by reputable sources such as the World Bank and the Global Risks Report indicates that a substantial portion of the global population continues to live in extreme poverty, with millions facing daily struggles to meet basic needs. The ongoing updates to poverty measurement methodologies reflect an effort to provide a more accurate picture of poverty, but the challenge remains significant.