They also model novel policy changes to ensure food and energy security, as well as gender equity and other social equalities. Researchers estimate that these actions would result in a slightly lower population peak and a count of 6 billion people by 2100. In this case, extreme poverty would be eliminated—totally—by 2060, and opportunities for future economic security will increase.

If everyone gets an equal distribution of resources, including food, shelter, and energy, everyone could escape extreme poverty, according to the report. “A good life for all is only possible if the extreme resource use of the wealthy elite is reduced,” Randers says in the release.