The 80,000 Hours Career Guide (2023)
80,000 Hours Podcast
Problems in Rich Countries are More Costly and Complex Than Those in Poor Countries
The urgency of global problems is highlighted by disparities in income levels, where even those at the US poverty line are wealthier than a large percentage of the world's poorest countries. The disparity in wealth between those in rich and poor countries indicates that resources would have a greater impact in poorer regions. The number of people in poverty in the US is significantly less than in extreme global poverty, yet a substantial amount of resources is allocated to help them. Social interventions in rich countries are challenging due to the complexities and expenses involved, with limited effectiveness. Comparatively, focusing on issues in low-income countries may be more impactful, as they face fewer complexities in addressing problems.
