Is free trade beneficial to Latin America and the Caribbean? Most economists believe it is. Free trade allows countries to specialize in what they do best, developing competitive advantages and leading to greater consumer choice and lower prices. Most citizens seem to agree. An IDB-commissioned poll, included in the cross-regional Latinobarómetro survey, finds popular … [Read more...] about The Psychology of Support for Trade
Latin America Confronts Obesity
It took nearly ten years, a full-blown epidemic and two physicians in the top ranks of government. But after ferocious resistance from the food industry, Chile has put into effect a law that tackles the problem of obesity head-on and is considered by nutrition experts to be among the most, if not the most, stringent law in the world. The law, which went into effect in 2016 … [Read more...] about Latin America Confronts Obesity
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%
A Rapid Transit System That Boosts Productivity
Confronted with sprawling development and paralyzing traffic, cities throughout Latin America and the Caribbean have moved to built rapid transit systems, ranging from subways to bus rapid transit systems (BRTs). New rapid transit, government officials hope, will get people out of their cars, improve the environment and boost wellbeing and productivity. But demonstrating … [Read more...] about A Rapid Transit System That Boosts Productivity
Gender Inequality in Latin America: The Long Road Ahead
Progress for women in Latin America and the Caribbean over the last few decades has been impressive. Many women now take center stage in the arts, business, music, politics, science and the sports world. Laws equally protect women, and the increase in their labor force participation has been rapid, rising 17 percentage points in the 25 years between 1990-2015 to more than … [Read more...] about Gender Inequality in Latin America: The Long Road Ahead