Over the last few months, most Latin American and Caribbean countries have been able to flatten the curve of infections thanks to severe restrictions on mobility. The Human Mobility Map for Latin America and the Caribbean shows that the restrictions have worked and citizens are limiting their movements. Argentina saw a decline of almost 54% in the number of people who travel … [Read more...] about How Can Behavioral Economics Improve Our Decision-Making during the Pandemic?
Behavioral Economics
In the Fight Against the Coronavirus, Behavioral Economics is a Potent Weapon
With thousands of deaths worldwide, the coronavirus has spread panic in nearly all countries and territories where it has hit. People fear not only infection and death, but upheavals to their daily lives, rituals, and traditions. Everything from earning an income to having a normal family life or even putting food on the table has been put into doubt. And doubt tends to build … [Read more...] about In the Fight Against the Coronavirus, Behavioral Economics is a Potent Weapon
When Too Much Choice Distorts Electoral Results
As if we couldn't think for ourselves when it comes to pouring hot liquids down our throats, the warnings about hot tea and coffee are ubiquitous. “Caution Handle with Care I’m Hot,” says one cup. "Caution Contents Hot," says another, with variations on the theme repeated in thousands of restaurants and cafes around the world. Businesses, it seems, don't trust us to be careful … [Read more...] about When Too Much Choice Distorts Electoral Results
How A Simple Sign Helped Cut Household Emissions by 17%
When the bitter chill of winter descends on the cities of south-central Chile, residents load up their wood-burning stoves with firewood, turn the dampers, or levers, on their stoves down to keep the wood burning longer and settle in to enjoy the crackle and warmth of log-heated homes. Energy produced by wood-fuel burning is around 4 to 6 times cheaper than that of … [Read more...] about How A Simple Sign Helped Cut Household Emissions by 17%
Behavioral Science and the Struggle for Social Cohesion
Renos Vakis is a Lead Economist with the World Bank's Poverty and Equity Global Practice and co-head of its Mind, Behavior and Development Unit. An expert on poverty who has written extensively about both Latin America and South Asia, he helps direct the unit's efforts to apply behavioral science to anti-poverty policies in areas ranging from financial inclusion to early … [Read more...] about Behavioral Science and the Struggle for Social Cohesion