Ricke and McCord discuss Wollburg et al.’s study on the intersection of poverty and climate change. Eliminating extreme poverty by 2050 might increase global greenhouse-gas emissions by less than 5%, challenging assumptions. With climate-smart growth, considering improved tech and reduced inequality, this impact reduces tenfold. The analysis highlights the importance of a climate-smart trajectory and addresses concerns about resource targeting, emphasizing the intertwined challenges of climate change and poverty reduction. The authors stress the need for climate finance without diverting funds from existing development priorities.