What is the projected total of people living in extreme poverty by 2021 due to the coronavirus?

The correct choice reflects a substantial increase in the number of people projected to be living in extreme poverty as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic. The World Bank and various international organizations conducted analyses indicating that the economic impacts of COVID-19 would push millions into extreme poverty. Specifically, estimates suggested that by 2021, an additional 150 million people could find themselves living on less than $1.90 a day, which is the benchmark for extreme poverty.

This increase is attributed to various factors, including job losses, reduced incomes, and a lack of access to basic services, all of which have been exacerbated by the global health crisis. The pandemic disrupted economies worldwide, leading to significant setbacks in poverty reduction efforts that had been made in previous years. Thus, 150 million represents a calculated projection grounded in extensive research and socioeconomic data assessing the pandemic's impact on vulnerable populations.