A new study predicts that rising energy costs that have followed in the wake of Russia's war with Ukraine could push millions of people around the globe into extreme poverty.

In a joint research effort between the United States, China, the UK and Netherlands, the study from the journal Nature Energy assessed the impact of the war and found that energy prices have jumped 4.8 percent with the surge in the cost of coal and natural gas directly linked to Russia's invasion.

Low income-communities that were already facing issues like food insecurity are now at even greater risk of falling into extreme poverty, with countries like Poland and the Czech Republic, facing greater hardships with their economies heavily dependent on energy resources like coal. 

In the U.S., consumers spent 14.3 percent more on energy last year than they did in 2021. Electricity prices alone rose 11.9 percent over the 12 months ending in January, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

The study estimates that 141 million people around the world are at risk of falling into extreme poverty as costs continue to rise.

"Unaffordable costs of energy and other necessities would push vulnerable populations into energy poverty and even extreme poverty. Understanding how global energy prices are transmitted to households through global supply chains and how they are affected is crucial for effective and equitable policy design," the researchers wrote.

Share:
More In Business
Emma Grede on Working With Kardashians, Her Fashion Brand and Balancing Family Life
One of the most self-made and success stories in the country, Emma Grede, has worked along with the Kardashian Jenner family on many of their best-known brands. Grede, CEO and co-founder of Good American, gave back to the next generation of business leaders as a featured speaker at the Chase for Business Make Your Move summit last week. She spoke with Cheddar News about her career, her company's fashion brand, working with the famous Kardashian-Jennifer family and balancing her own family life.
SAG-AFTRA Reviewing 'Best and Final' Offer From Studios
SAG-AFTRA said over the weekend that it received the studios' last best and final offer following a meeting on Saturday, with the union saying it's reviewing it and considering a response "within the context of the critical issues addressed in our proposals."
Load More