Covid-19 is still spreading rapidly on a global level, with more than 11.4 million cases and 407,000 deaths in Latin America and the Caribbean alone as of early November. This is happening despite the imposition of strict mobility restrictions and other constraints, like mask wearing and school closings. Indeed, in Argentina, with some of the most rigorous restrictions as … [Read more...] about Communicating Better in the Covid-19 Era
Using Social Network Analysis to Identify Decision-Makers and Improve Public Policy
Latin America has achieved significant social progress in recent decades. From the 1990s through 2019, poverty fell by almost 50 percent: mortality in children under five was cut by more than half; and primary school education became nearly universal. But while significant investment was made to accomplish those outcomes, much more could have been achieved if it wasn’t for … [Read more...] about Using Social Network Analysis to Identify Decision-Makers and Improve Public Policy
The False Choice of Renewable Energy
Part of our "behind the scenes" series of posts for our 2020 flagship publication From Structures to Services: The Path to Better Infrastructure in Latin America and the Caribbean Recent news items indicate that in 2020, Chile is experiencing one of the most significant droughts in its history; the province of Córdoba, one of Argentina’s most productive agricultural areas, … [Read more...] about The False Choice of Renewable Energy
Not the Usual Recession: Why Inequality after Covid-19 May Get a Lot Worse
It is tempting to view the severe economic downturn of the Covid-19 pandemic through the same lens as other recessions that have struck Latin American and the Caribbean over the last three decades. Most of those previous events, after all, led to increases in poverty and unemployment, much as the current crisis has done. But when it comes to inequality, one of the region's most … [Read more...] about Not the Usual Recession: Why Inequality after Covid-19 May Get a Lot Worse
Avoiding a New Lost Decade for Latin America and the Caribbean
The Covid-19 pandemic has unleashed a health and economic crisis. Countries are providing exceptional support to families and firms and suffering significant losses in public revenues. Debt ratios are rising. Getting fiscal policy right and maintaining financial stability will be key to ensuring a return to growth and avoid a lost decade in Latin America and the Caribbean. A … [Read more...] about Avoiding a New Lost Decade for Latin America and the Caribbean