Two sets of news stories seemingly conflict, but they are both correct. There are far fewer people in extreme poverty. Approximately 600 million people have risen out of extreme poverty.
“Oxfam’s report reminds us that 36% of the world population was living in extreme poverty in 1990, falling to 16% in 2010” – Conversation US
At the same time, wealth continues to concentrate.
“the richest 62 individuals own more wealth than the poorest half of the world’s population (compared to 388 individuals in 2010)” – Conversation US
If everyone was getting equally richer, there’d be a greater reason to celebrate; but the difference points out how large of an effect a small improvement can make, while the total increase in wealth simultaneously is sent to tax havens and effectively removed from the economy.
“Since 2000, the poorest half of the world’s population has received just 1% of the total increase in global wealth, while 50% of that has gone to the 1% of people on the top of the pile ” – Conversation US
News items from both sides can sound contradictory, but they are merely the two sides of our modern paradox. Poverty is so extreme that even a few extra billion dollars improves the lives of millions. Wealth is so extreme that while the richest 62 gained $542B, the people in the middle lost $1T. Instead of a rising tide lifting all boats, some are happily surfing giant waves, others are sinking, and many are simply glad to have a bit more water flow by.
(Click on the infographic for the link.)
“How The 1% Lives” – Conversation US
Pretending Not To Panic 