When you hear the word "Poverty", the first images that cross your eyes are possibly, people with limited to no food, no shelter or a broken/make shift so called home, wearing torn or battered clothes etc.
This picture is certainly painful to see and yet in this 21st century many parts of this world has people living in these extreme poor conditions. The disparity between ultra rich and poor has only increased.
Did we ever think what could be driving this? Is there a solution to bridge this gap?
Our world has been adding anywhere between 80 to 85 million individuals (check this interesting web-page - World Population Clock). This means every 10 - 12 odd years we shall be adding a billion mouths to this world.
An interesting view
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| Courtesy: - https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/ |
A few things will still remain finite (from a total availability perspective) like land mass, natural resources (minerals, water, forest cover, etc.). Unfortunately many of these are depleting at a much faster rate than ever before.
If the above is the reality,
1. Will we have enough for everyone to eat?
2. Will we have enough space for everyone to stay?
3. What is that year or period in time, when we will have nothing more to consume (natural resources)?
Tough questions and may haunt us just thinking about that day
Population boom and increase has been a way to create more demand for goods and services, leading to economic growth. However the same population is also creating a grave situation (has already created) in the future.
I will try and share my views via this representative ultra simplified example
Let's assume there are three four bands in the population based on wealth. Numbers are all just a representation to elaborate
Let's also assume an average family size at each of these bands (as illustrated in the table below). One can clearly see the gap in what an average family member has got to spend.
Assuming a population growth of 2% a year across the band (which typically is not the case). The reality is bottom bands growth rate is higher. I am also assuming an income growth of 5% a year across the bands.
What we observe from the above at a high level are:
1. The growth in resources available for individuals in the higher bands is significantly higher
2. Population will grow faster (growth rate) in the lower bands
3. Disparity will only grow bigger with time
The interesting dichotomy of this situation is Poverty will drive Population and then the same will increase poverty. Typically the thought is that more earning members will mean more income (hoping to alleviate poverty) , but then the million dollar question is what will be that income like?
Without resources like nutritious food, medicines, education to support, etc. the vision to earn and live better becomes a mirage.
The above is only a simplified illustration but the real problem is looming and is waiting to explode.
We may like it or not, but some serious thought and soul searching needs to be done. It is a sensitive topic but it can be a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.
Would love to hear what my friends think.
