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
Poll: More Americans think companies benefit from legal immigration
A new poll finds U.S. adults are more likely than they were a year ago to think immigrants in the country legally benefit the economy. That comes as President Donald Trump's administration imposes new restrictions targeting legal pathways into the country. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey finds Americans are more likely than they were in March 2024 to say it’s a “major benefit” that people who come to the U.S. legally contribute to the economy and help American companies get the expertise of skilled workers. At the same time, perceptions of illegal immigration haven’t shifted meaningfully. Americans still see fewer benefits from people who come to the U.S. illegally.
Tylenol maker rebounds a day after unfounded claims about its safety
Shares of Tylenol maker Kenvue are bouncing back sharply before the opening bell a day after President Donald Trump promoted unproven and in some cases discredited ties between Tylenol, vaccines and autism. Trump told pregnant women not to use the painkiller around a dozen times during the White House news conference Monday. The drugmaker tumbled 7.5%. Shares have regained most of those losses early Tuesday in premarket trading.
Load More