While the technology world is caught in a flurry of speculation about the potential new features of the next iPhone, expected to be released in late September, a simple mobile phone with basic features is having a meaningful impact as a tool to alleviate poverty in the developing world. When it comes to the poor, telephony is the Information and Telecommunications Technology … [Read more...] about A Call for Development: When a Phone Alone Can Alleviate Poverty
Too Warm for Growth?
When people think about climate change, what often comes to mind are rising temperatures. Indeed, for much of the world’s population higher temperatures most dramatically manifest themselves in an increasing frequency of heat waves responsible for hundreds and sometimes thousands of fatalities. Prominent examples include heat waves in Chicago in 1995, France and other European … [Read more...] about Too Warm for Growth?
Beyond Remittances: Migrants and the Circulation of Brains
Every time the United States approaches an election cycle, migration policies become the subject of heated—if not evidence-based—debate. This year is no exception, as demonstrated by the exchange between immigration opponents and sons of immigrants on the stage of the Republican presidential debate. Discussion of migration typically gravitates to the subject of remittances: … [Read more...] about Beyond Remittances: Migrants and the Circulation of Brains
Breastfeeding: The Best Recipe for a Healthy Start
Latin America has a breast feeding problem. But before getting into the details, let me note that August 1-7, 2015 is World Breastfeeding Week. The line-up of sponsors is impressive. This annual event is coordinated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), a global network of organizations and individuals that promote breastfeeding worldwide. Partners in this … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding: The Best Recipe for a Healthy Start
The Littlest Victims of Crime
Children are a mother’s— and a country’s— greatest treasure. Yet they too are victims of violence, often indirectly through their mothers. The repercussions of violence against these littlest victims in society are far reaching. Compromising their health and happiness is not only an emotional issue, but an important economic issue as well and was studied in the context of a … [Read more...] about The Littlest Victims of Crime