this may not seem like a topic you’d look to for good news, but in a certain way, it’s a miraculous example of human progress. for example, since 1990, the number of people in extreme poverty has fallen by more than half.
& this is only the beginning. in 2015, the percentage of the global population living in extreme poverty fell below 10 percent for the first time, and in 2017, the world poverty clock estimated that 86,400 people escaped extreme poverty each day.
people aren’t only escaping poverty, but are rather being set up for a healthier, brighter future. we have seen improvement in primary school enrollment, AIDS-related deaths, global malaria mortality rates, and even world internet usage.
so why should you care? right. well, global poverty is a battle that can be won, although it isn’t usually presented that way. in a world where good news is near extinction, it’s easy to forget where human progress is being made.
& unfortunately, the fight against global poverty faces its biggest challenge yet: COVID-19. the virus threatens to reverse decades of poverty reduction work and plunge millions back into poverty. yet, it can be overcome. but only if people care and fight to make a difference.
this summer, i’ve had the opportunity to work with @theborgenproject. they’ve made it their mission to fight for poverty reduction legislation and encourage activism. i learned that something as simple as a quick email to your congressional leaders can advocate for relief for the world’s poor. better yet, you don’t even have to write or address the email! just click the link in my (@messina__michael) bio and you can find an email form that will automatically go to your congressional leaders about a global COVID-19 response.
global poverty reduction gives each person an opportunity to be a part of human progress. & no, that doesn’t have to mean a lifetime of work. for so many of us, making a difference simply means a two minute email.
