Environmental Threats May Push Billions Into Extreme Poverty, Warns UN

"The number of people living in extreme poverty could increase by up to 3 billion by 2050 unless urgent action is taken to tackle environmental challenges, a major UN report warned on Thursday."



"The 2013 Human Development Report hails better than expected progress on health, wealth and education in dozens of developing countries but says inaction on climate change, deforestation, and air and water pollution could end gains in the world's poorest countries and communities.

'Environmental threats are among the most grave impediments to lifting human development … The longer action is delayed, the higher the cost will be,' warns the report, which builds on the 2011 edition looking at sustainable development."

Claire Provost reports for the Guardian March 14, 2013.

SEE ALSO:

"2013 Human Development Report" (UNDP)

"Somalia Famine Partially Blamed On Climate Change In New Study" (AP)

Commentary: "UN Report Is a Wake-Up Call for Complacent Canada" (Toronto Star)

Source: Guardian, 03/15/2013