Goal 1: Ending Poverty in All Forms

The World Bank’s March 2023 global poverty report raises the global poverty figure from 648 to 659 million. Put in perspective, that means about eight percent of the world population lack essential resources or do not see a return on their existing assets. However, poverty is dynamic and numbers don’t tell the whole story. These statistics frequently only provide us with a glimpse into people's life at a single point in time. Many families cycle in and out of poverty, experiencing it only on rare occasions or living on less than $2.15 a day for extended periods of time.

Poverty exists in many various forms, each with its distinct challenges and implications.

Absolute poverty is commonly characterized by the lack of basic human needs such as food and shelter. The United States has one of the highest rates of food insecurity in a developing nation. Absolute poverty also includes homelessness and lack of access to healthcare. Individuals living in absolute poverty face daily challenges related to malnutrition and infectious diseases. This contributes to a cycle of deprivation and vulnerability.

On the other hand, Relative poverty is defined by the economic disparities within a society, where individuals experience a significantly lower standard of living compared to the majority. Living at fifty percent or less of the average income is considered relative poverty. While these individuals may have access to basic necessities, they lack the resources to fully thrive in the social and economic life of their communities. This leads to exclusion, limited opportunities, and restricted social mobility.

Generational poverty refers to when families experience a continuous cycle of impoverishment across more than two generations. This is often due to limited access to education, employment opportunities, and social resources. These families consistently live below the poverty line, even if there is some fluctuation in their income following harvests or work opportunities.

Lastly, urban and rural poverty present more unique challenges. Urban poverty is associated with overcrowded living conditions, inadequate access to education and healthcare, and limited employment. Rural poverty is characterized by geographical isolation, limited infrastructure, and challenges related to agriculture. Both urban and rural poverty are intricately linked. Individuals often migrate from rural to urban areas in search of better opportunities, only to face new challenges such as housing affordability.

Understanding the various types of poverty is crucial in developing comprehensive strategies and interventions that address the root causes of economic hardship.

Looking Within…

Poverty is a global issue that has no boundaries, and it’s not limited to distant continents. In fact, it’s right on our doorsteps in the United States. It’s a common misconception that poverty only exists prominently in developing nations. However, insecurity in the U.S. is multifaceted, affecting millions of Americans from various backgrounds.

While it's true that poverty in America differs from poverty in other countries in several respects, our childhood poverty rate is higher than in many other developed nations. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, thirty three million Americans are food insecure, including five million children. This domestic poverty, hidden in plain sight, reveals that it is a critical local issue that demands our attention.

The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed the fragility of financial security for many Americans. Job losses, income inequality, and housing insecurity have further escalated these dire circumstances.

As of now, little progress has been made since the start of the pandemic to catch up to the pre-COVID trends.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes a critical objective of eradicating severe poverty for all people everywhere by 2030, and the data is not in our favor. Humanitarian engineering plays a crucial role in supporting SDG #1 by implementing sustainable solutions that directly address the multifaceted challenges of poverty. They can foster economic growth and promote equitable access to essential resources and services for impoverished communities. Through the design of appropriate technologies and infrastructure, humanitarian engineering initiatives aim to uplift marginalized populations, enhance livelihood opportunities, and create pathways for sustained socio-economic empowerment.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to ending global poverty. To address inequality, we must consider the different barriers currently present within communities. Our approach to equity should be based on the understanding that simply providing equal access to resources is insufficient. We must concentrate on helping everyone achieve the same outcomes, fostering an environment where every individual, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive.