In the global effort to address climate change through the gradual phase-out of fossil fuels, a new study emphasizes the possibility of ensuring a decent standard of living for all people on Earth without compromising climate goals—provided that emission reductions are implemented swiftly and decisively.
The study, led by researcher Jarmo Kiekstra from the Energy, Climate, and Environment Program at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), explored the feasibility of eradicating global poverty without undermining the objectives of the Paris Agreement. The institute described this issue as increasingly urgent in a statement, given the accelerating global warming and the deprivation of millions of people from basic necessities.
The Importance of Eradicating Poverty and Addressing Climate Change Intensification
Jarmo Kiekstra explained that the study aims to understand the requirements for eradicating extreme poverty while advancing climate action, moving beyond the concept of "poverty alleviation" toward ensuring a dignified life for all. He said, "We envision a future that achieves high developmental aspirations, where a minimum standard of well-being becomes a universal right."
The study’s projections indicate that the number of people lacking access to the energy needed to meet basic household needs could decrease by more than 90%, at a rate much faster than current scenarios.
Eradicating Poverty Does Not Conflict with Protecting the Planet
The study's findings reveal that the energy required to secure a decent life is minimal compared to current global consumption. Kiekstra emphasized that the path to sustainable development requires faster growth in poorer countries but does not conflict with protecting the planet.
Meanwhile, Shonali Pachauri, head of the Institutional and Social Transformative Solutions Research Group within IIASA’s Energy, Climate, and Environment Program in Austria and a contributor to the study, stated that efficiency, growth, and reducing inequality are crucial factors to ensure everyone has access to sufficient resources.
The Importance of Integrating Climate Action with Development
The authors of the study published in Environmental Research Letters emphasized the importance of integrating climate action with development, noting that the failure to implement effective climate policies makes it impossible to meet an individual's basic minimum needs.
One of the key findings of the study is that only about one-third of the world’s energy consumption will be necessary to support a decent standard of living, while the remaining two-thirds are directed towards purposes beyond fulfilling basic needs, according to EcoWatch.
Improvement in Living Standards for Half of the World’s Population Over the Past Two Decades
The study projects that the living standards of more than half of the world’s population—including those in poorer countries—will improve over the next two decades to exceed twice the minimum threshold for a decent life.
For his part, Kiekstra affirmed in a statement released on May 13 that achieving climate goals while ensuring a dignified life for all is possible but requires immediate and decisive action to reduce emissions. Therefore, achieving climate objectives does not conflict with poverty alleviation, provided sustainability standards are upheld and everyone is encouraged to adopt environmentally friendly habits.
