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Poverty is conquering the world

Isn?t it astonishing that the gross domestic product of a quarter of the world?s countries is less than the combined wealth of the world?s 3 richest people? Doesn?t it astound you that approximately half the world?s population lives on less than $2 a day? And don?t you find it appalling that less than one percent of what is spent each year on weapons is allocated to putting children in school?

These are just some of the horrifying facts and figures surrounding the global issue of poverty. Whilst one person is dying each half hour to causes of poverty, it is about time we take action and bring about some much needed change. Despite that politics have not used all their resources and efforts in abolishing or at least improving the situation, there are many ways in which individuals can make a difference.

The most obvious thing we can do is provide direct aid, whether in the form of money, food, or shelter. The Copenhagen Consensus lists the most cost effective ways for advancing global welfare. We are also able to improve the social environment and capabilities of the poor by providing subsidized housing, health care, and education, as well as employment assistance and the building of communities.

In some countries, economic growth is one of the only ways in which poverty can be aggressively attacked. For example, more people can be brought into the formal economy by being able to establish new businesses with greater ease. Because this is something that can be achieved by mostly the government, it is our role as citizens to promote economic growth to the greatest extent, and ensure that the issue of poverty remains high on the daily agenda until it is resolved.