Before the COVID-19 pandemic, global poverty had been in steady retreat for four decades, falling to less than a quarter of its 1981 levels. But in 2020, progress hit a wall; nearly 100 million people were pushed back into “extreme poverty” (defined as living on less than US$1.90 per day), and the road to recovery remains uncertain. In the US, even after trillions in pandemic relief funds, the rebound has exposed deep-rooted inequalities, with women, Black Americans, and other historically marginalized groups bearing the brunt.
The silver lining? Researchers, activists, and policymakers are rallying behind bold, science-backed tools and programs that could reignite the fight against poverty and reshape what’s possible.
Click through to explore the smart solutions that might finally move the needle—for good.