United Nations: 887 Million Poor People Worldwide at Risk from Climate Change
A new UN report has revealed that nearly 8 out of 10 people living in multidimensional poverty—about 887 million out of 1.1 billion globally—are directly exposed to climate-related risks, including extreme heat, floods, drought, and air pollution.
The 2025 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index Report, issued by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI), stated that the climate crisis significantly affects the poor, increasing their vulnerability to daily challenges and worsening their living conditions.
According to the report, among those experiencing severe multidimensional poverty, 651 million people are exposed to two or more climate risks, while 309 million are exposed to three or four risks simultaneously.
The most widespread risks are extreme heat and air pollution, with 608 million people affected by high temperatures and 577 million by pollution. Additionally, 465 million live in flood-prone areas, and 207 million in regions impacted by drought.
The report explained that the burden of climate risk exposure varies across regions and income groups. South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa have the highest numbers of poor people exposed to these risks—380 million and 344 million, respectively. It also noted that low- and middle-income countries bear the greatest burden, with 548 million poor people exposed to at least one climate-related risk.
The report emphasized the urgent need for effective strategies to reduce poverty and adapt to climate change, urging that global climate commitments be translated into practical steps to support the world’s most vulnerable populations.
