Woman and child M Chaves on Unsplash

Poverty, Disparity & Injustice

Working in service of a more equitable world.

The total number of people living in poverty has barely changed since 1990. 44% of the global population lives on less than $6.85 per day.

For decades, Yale has worked to understand and alleviate poverty through various initiatives, and financial equity is only one among many avenues of study. From issues of gender and racial equality in the workplace to equitable access to medical care, Yale, as an employer within the community of New Haven, is addressing these challenges internally. The campus-wide program Belonging at Yale, which started in 2020, promotes and highlights activities that enhance diversity, support equity, and promote an environment of welcome, inclusion, and respect. 

At a Glance

Facts and figures on poverty, disparity, and injustice

  • 80 Million

    Between 1999-2020, 1.63M excess Black deaths in the U.S. resulted in 80M+ potential life years lost vs. white Americans


     

  • $152 Million

    Tech firms boosting gender diversity by 1% saw, on average, a $152M market valuation rise

  • 8%

    Opening banks in villages in rural India reduces poverty levels by 8% and increases household wages by 6%

Related Resources

The Future of Growth in the Climate Transition

2023 Grant Project

Through a 2023 YPS grant, a policy-oriented research program was launched to bring together academic researchers from several fields, as well as public and private sector stakeholders from low- and middle-income countries.

Aerial image of a dense, low-lying neighborhood in Mumbai

Events

  • YPS Visioning Summit 2050

    In-person

    Yale Schwarzman Center Presidents’ Room

    9:30 am - 1:00 pm | October 10, 2025

  • Yale @ Climate Week NYC

    In-person

    From September 24 to 25, 2025, Yale @ Climate Week NYC will bring together thought leaders, activists, scholars, students, and innovators…

  • YPS 2050 Listening Session

    Online

    Describe your vision for how Yale can lead and collaborate on planetary solutions in the next 25 years!