The Cost of Living Crisis in the UK and Global Poverty: A Sobering Reality

Tej Kohli
3 min readNov 3, 2023
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

The cost of living crisis in the United Kingdom has been making headlines and leaving many individuals and families struggling to make ends meet. As the UK grapples with this alarming situation, it is essential to recognise that this issue is not unique to Britain.

Poverty and the struggle to afford basic necessities are global problems that affect millions of people around the world.

The Cost of Living Crisis in the UK

One of the primary drivers of the cost of living crisis in the UK is the steep rise in housing costs. House prices and rent have been increasing at a rate that far outpaces wage growth, making it increasingly difficult for individuals and families to secure affordable accommodation.

Inflation has been on the rise in the UK, causing the prices of everyday essentials like food, fuel, and utilities to surge. This has a disproportionate impact on low-income families who must allocate a more significant portion of their income to cover these basic needs.

Wage growth in the UK has remained sluggish, failing to keep pace with the rising cost of living. This leads to a widening gap between income and expenses, forcing many to rely on credit, food banks, or government support to make ends meet.

Global Poverty Situations

  1. Sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa is home to some of the world’s most impoverished nations, with millions of people living in extreme poverty. Challenges such as inadequate access to clean water, education, healthcare, and food security are prevalent.

Sub-Saharan Africa’s poverty crisis is a complex issue influenced by factors like political instability, underdeveloped infrastructure, and lack of access to quality education and healthcare.

2. South Asia

South Asia, including countries like India and Bangladesh, is home to a significant portion of the world’s population living in poverty. Despite impressive economic growth in some areas, disparities in wealth and income distribution persist. Factors such as overpopulation, limited job opportunities, and poor access to education and healthcare contribute to the poverty crisis.

3. Latin America

In many Latin American countries, poverty is a persistent issue. Economic disparities are often linked to a history of political instability, corruption, and a lack of access to quality education and healthcare. Despite pockets of prosperity, millions continue to struggle to meet their basic needs.

4. Southeast Asia

Some Southeast Asian countries face similar challenges, with poverty stemming from issues such as political instability, limited access to healthcare, and a lack of infrastructure in rural areas. Economic development and poverty reduction efforts vary from country to country.

The cost of living crisis in the UK is a stark reminder that poverty is not limited to a specific region or country. It is a global challenge that affects individuals and families in diverse ways, depending on their circumstances and the socio-economic conditions of their home country. Understanding the interconnected nature of these challenges is crucial to finding solutions, whether on a local or global scale.

Efforts to alleviate poverty must address systemic issues, including affordable housing, education, healthcare, and job opportunities, while promoting equitable economic growth and wealth distribution. By acknowledging the global scope of poverty and the cost of living crisis, we can work together to create a more just and equitable world for all.

For more information on Tej Kohli as a philanthropist visit tejkohliruit.com and to read more of his views go to his Medium.

To learn about Tej Kohli as an investor and technologist visit Kohli Ventures

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Tej Kohli

Tej Kohli is an investor & philanthropist who is the co-founder of the Tej Kohli & Ruit Foundation. To find out more visit tejkohli.com or tejkohliruit.com