A new report has shown that nearly eight in ten people living in multidimensional poverty, 887 million out of 1.1 billion globally, are directly exposed to climate hazards such as extreme heat, flooding, drought, or air pollution.
The report, titled “Overlapping Hardships: Poverty and Climate Hazards”, is part of the 2025 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) released ahead of the COP30 climate summit in Brazil.
Jointly produced by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI), It paints a stark picture of how the climate crisis is reshaping global poverty and deepening inequalities.
By overlaying climate hazard data with multidimensional poverty data for the first time, the report underscores that poverty is no longer a standalone socio-economic issue but one deeply interwoven with planetary instability.
“Our new research shows that to address global poverty and create a more stable world for everyone, we must confront the climate risks endangering nearly 900 million poor people,” said Haoliang Xu, UNDP Acting Administrator. “When world leaders meet in Brazil for the Climate Conference, COP30, next month, their national climate pledges must revitalise the stagnating development progress that threatens to leave the world’s poorest people behind.”
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The report finds that among those living in acute multidimensional poverty—spanning health, education, and living standards—an overwhelming 651 million people endure two or more climate hazards, while 309 million face three or four hazards simultaneously.
These individuals often possess limited assets and minimal access to social protection systems, amplifying the negative effects of environmental shocks. High heat and air pollution are the most widespread hazards, affecting 608 million and 577 million poor people respectively, while 465 million live in flood-prone regions and 207 million in drought-affected areas.
“This report shows where the climate crisis and poverty are notably converging,” said Sabina Alkire, Director of OPHI. “Understanding where the planet is under greatest strain and where people face additional burdens created by climate challenges is essential to creating mutually reinforcing development strategies that put humanity at the centre of climate action.”
India, already the most populous country, faces rising heat extremes and worsening air pollution that disproportionately affects low-income communities. Studies have shown that regions like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh face heightened vulnerability due to poor infrastructure and limited access to cooling or healthcare.
Story was adapted from India Today.
