A product of decades of industrialization, urbanization, and motorization, chronic severe air pollution is now a global phenomenon. Today, 90 percent of the world’s people live in places that do not meet World Health Organization (WHO) air quality standards. The consequences for human health have been grave. Each year, air pollution causes 5 to 9 million premature deaths and … [Read more...] about Breathe Easy: smartphone apps can reduce exposure to air pollution
Bridget Hoffmann
Bridget Hoffmann is an economist in the Research Department of the Inter-American Development Bank. Her research interests are applied microeconomics, development economics, and environmental economics. She received her Ph.D. in Economics from Northwestern University in 2015. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Financial Economics and Mathematics from the University of Rochester.
Using informational nudges to slow the spread of Covid-19 becomes more challenging over time
Until vaccines or effective treatments are widely available, face masks, social distancing, and other nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) will continue to be Latin American and Caribbean’s frontline defense against Covid-19. Many countries in the region have used strategically formulated information campaigns to try to boost compliance with NPI recommendations. According … [Read more...] about Using informational nudges to slow the spread of Covid-19 becomes more challenging over time
Resilient infrastructure is critical for planning for an uncertain future
The 2020 hurricane season reminds us of the importance of infrastructure services in limiting the spread of Covid-19. Natural disasters can damage infrastructure assets, such as health clinics, water pipes, and communication lines. This would prevent covid-19 patients from receiving care, hinder handwashing efforts, and delay contact tracing. Extreme climate events that … [Read more...] about Resilient infrastructure is critical for planning for an uncertain future