VoxDev Development Economics

David Yang, a Harvard researcher and author on protests, joins Noam Yuchtman from the University of Oxford to unravel the dynamics of modern protest movements. They discuss how social media shapes activism and the changing nature of protests post-Arab Spring. The conversation explores economic motivations behind protests, emphasizing how poverty and unemployment fuel discontent. They also highlight the pro-social motivations of individuals involved, reframing the narrative around protesters as committed to public welfare rather than just discontent.

In our final episode based on this year’s BREAD-IGC virtual PhD-level course on the economics of cities in low and middle-income countries, Matthew Kahn of USC and Siqi Zheng of MIT focus on sustainable urbanisation. They tell Tim Phillips about how cities can adapt in the face of climate change, both its inhabitants and its buildings. Read the full show notes on VoxDev: https://voxdev.org/topic/migration-urbanisation/how-urban-environment-can-adapt-climate-change

Marianne Bertrand, a labor markets expert at Chicago Booth and Co-Chair of J-PAL, joins Stefano Caria from the University of Warwick to explore effective skills signaling for job seekers in low and middle-income countries. They discuss the challenges job seekers face in proving their qualifications amid information asymmetry. The conversation reveals how standardized certifications can enhance job outcomes and the role of social networks in hiring practices. They propose solutions like wage subsidies to improve hiring efficiency and suggest scaling up skill-signaling programs to boost employment.

Ugo Gentilini, a lead economist for social protection at the World Bank and author of "Timely Cash," dives into the rich 2,500-year history of cash transfers. He discusses how historical debates illuminate current arguments about social safety nets. Explore ancient roots and their impact on modern welfare systems. Gentilini highlights the persistent themes of poverty and inequality, underscoring the importance of adapting cash transfers to address contemporary challenges like climate change and migration.

Sugandha Srivastav, a Researcher at the University of Oxford specializing in power purchase agreements in developing countries, joins the discussion to unveil the complexities of Pakistan's electricity contracts. She highlights how opaque PPAs lock the country into long-term, costly fossil fuel agreements, draining public resources. The conversation dives into the detrimental financial impact on Pakistan's economy, the shift from public to private sector management, and the urgent need for reforms towards sustainable energy solutions.

Daniel Rogger, editor of the Government Analytics Handbook at the World Bank, and Christian Schuster, UCL researcher focusing on government efficiency, discuss the vital role of data analysis in public administration. They explore how better analytics can bridge the gap between public and private sectors, advocating for tailored approaches to enhance government functions. The conversation delves into empowering analysts, the need for community-building, and embracing predictive analytics to boost public service delivery and accountability.

As cities grow and spread, the uses to which land is put, and the value of that land, will also change. The challenges of urban planning, construction and renewal are complicated. But the way we address those challenges has profound impacts for the people who live, and will live, in that physical city. Vernon Henderson and Maisy Wong of University of Pennsylvania explain to Tim Phillips how cities adapt, change and grow – and how that affects the lives and prospects of the people who live in them.

Tavneet Suri, a Professor at MIT and co-chair of J-PAL's agricultural sector, discusses the urgent need to strengthen small-scale farmers' resilience against climate change. She highlights effective interventions like the use of drought-resistant seeds and the importance of timely weather forecasting. Suri also delves into how graduation programs can enhance farmers' adaptability and the necessity for income diversification in rural Africa. The conversation reveals intriguing insights into policies and technologies that can help these communities thrive despite extreme weather challenges.

Catherine Wolfram, an MIT economics professor and former climate policy advisor, joins Yale's Rohini Pande, an expert on carbon markets, and Namrata Kala, focused on adaptation strategies. They delve into how to finance climate adaptation, particularly in low-income countries. The conversation highlights innovative financial solutions, challenges with current funding systems, and the pivotal role of carbon pricing. The trio also discusses the upcoming COP29 summit, emphasizing the urgency for effective climate finance mechanisms.

In this engaging discussion, Ed Glaeser, a Harvard economist focusing on urban dynamics, and Diego Puga, an expert on regional economics, explore the vibrant role cities play in economic development. They highlight how urban areas attract talent and adapt to new populations. The duo emphasizes the need for research on urban growth in developing countries, addressing challenges like over-regulation, gender disparities, and the balance between economic opportunities and potential poverty traps. Their insights are a call to rethink urbanization strategies for a post-COVID world.