Poverty is the most serious problem facing the world, according to a major worldwide poll which put the issue well ahead of climate change, terrorism and war. According to Globe Sean, the research body which conducted the poll in 23 countries for the BBC World Service, extreme poverty is clearly viewed as the “world’s most serious problem”.

Overall, 71 percent of people named extreme poverty as the biggest global issue, compared to 64 percent who cited the environment or pollution and 63 percents the rising cost of food and energy.

Terrorism, human rights and the spread of disease were singled out by 59 percent, climate change and the state of the world economy by 58 percent and war by 57 percent.

Japan was the only country to view climate changes as the most serious issue, while China ranked it second and the United States ninth.