1. |
- Arceo-Gómez, Eva O., et al.
(author)
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Droughts and rural households’ wellbeing: evidence from Mexico
- 2020
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In: Climatic Change. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0165-0009 .- 1573-1480. ; 162, s. 1197-1212
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Climate change could increase the frequency and duration of droughts that affect Mexico. This is particularly worrisome because many agricultural communities in the country are poor and with limited capacities for adaptation. This study estimated the impact of droughts on rural households’ wellbeing in Mexico, specifically on per capita earnings, poverty, and children’s school attendance. To do this, we focused our empirical analysis on the effects of the 2011 drought, one of the worst droughts that have affected Mexico in the past 70years. Our results provide clear evidence that droughts have a negative impact on rural households’ wellbeing. Households that experienced a drought had lower per capita earnings and were almost 5 percentage points more likely to be poor after the drought than their counterparts. Furthermore, droughts reduced female employment and male school attendance in almost three percentage points. Our results also provide indirect evidence showing that households that are less familiar with relative water scarcity are the ones that are hit hardest during droughts. Droughts are poised to become an additional threat to the wellbeing of rural Mexican households.
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2. |
- Arceo-Gomez, Eva O., et al.
(author)
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Extreme temperatures and school performance of the poor: Evidence from Mexico
- 2024
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In: ECONOMICS LETTERS. - 0165-1765 .- 1873-7374. ; 238
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- As the risks associated with climate change intensify, understanding its impacts on human capital development is crucial. In this paper, we analyze the causal effects of temperature on the academic performance of students in Mexico, a middle-income country facing significant climate risks and socioeconomic challenges. Using panel data on over 5.5 million students, our results show that a 1 degrees C increase in annual average temperature leads to a 0.07 and 0.08 standard deviation decrease in Spanish and math test scores, respectively. Moreover, a one standard deviation (0.93 degrees C) increase in the long-term municipal temperature average is associated with 0.04 and 0.03 standard deviation declines in those scores. The effects are context-dependent - students in historically colder municipalities actually benefit from hotter temperatures, likely due to improved learning conditions in underinsulated schools and homes. However, the detrimental impacts appear consistent across urban, rural, and socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, underscoring the vulnerability of marginalized populations to the academic consequences of climate change. Overall, our findings highlight the urgency of addressing the educational dimensions of the global climate crisis through targeted interventions and adaptive policies, particularly in lowand middle-income countries.
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3. |
- Bonilla, J. A., et al.
(author)
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Association between long-term air pollution exposure and COVID-19 mortality in Latin America
- 2023
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In: Plos One. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 18:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Recent studies have shown a relationship between air pollution and increased vulnerability and mortality due to COVID-19. Most of these studies have looked at developed countries. This study examines the relationship between long-term exposure to air pollution and COVID-19-related deaths in four countries of Latin America that have been highly affected by the pandemic: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico. Our results suggest that an increase in long-term exposure of 1 & mu;g/m(3) of fine particles is associated with a 2.7 percent increase in the COVID-19 mortality rate. This relationship is found primarily in municipalities of metropolitan areas, where urban air pollution sources dominate, and air quality guidelines are usually exceeded. By focusing the analysis on Latin America, we provide a first glimpse on the role of air pollution as a risk factor for COVID-19 mortality within a context characterized by weak environmental institutions, limited health care capacity and high levels of inequality.
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4. |
- Fierros-González, Isael, et al.
(author)
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Farmers’ Perception of Climate Change: A Review of the Literature for Latin America
- 2021
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In: Frontiers in Environmental Science. - 2296-665X. ; 9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Global climate is changing rapidly, and it is not clear if agricultural producers in developing countries will be able to adapt fast enough in order to mitigate its negative effects. In order to be willing to take adaptation measures, farmers need to perceive that the climate is changing or could change, and they need to attribute enough weight to this perception to take action. During the last two decades, the literature that examines farmers’ perception of climate change has gained ground, but it is still scant. This is particularly true for Latin America, which is highly vulnerable to climate change. Based on a review of original research articles published between 2000 and 2020, this article presents the status of knowledge about the topic in the region to identify research gaps and inform future research. The review found that the available research has been based mostly on qualitative analyses of case studies for a few countries. More research that identifies causal relationships is necessary. Data from surveys that are representative at the national or subnational levels, as well as longitudinal data, will be very helpful to better understand farmer’s perceptions. Finally, the use of field experiments and choice experiments can complement the use of observational data.
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5. |
- Herrera, Tonatiuh Cruz, et al.
(author)
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Students’ non-cognitive skills in times of crisis: COVID-19 in Mexico
- 2023
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In: Social Sciences and Humanities Open. - 2590-2911. ; 8:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The COVID-19 pandemic caused serious disruptions in the school systems throughout the world. In this work we look at the effect that the pandemic had in non-cognitive skills of students in Mexico. Few studies have looked at this relationship and the studies available have looked at the effects on children in high-income countries. Our results show that growth mindset declined, while social awareness and self-management improved during the pandemic. The negative effects on growth mindset are certainly a reason for concern, while the improvement on the other measures can be seen as a silver lining amidst the chaos created by the pandemic.
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6. |
- Huebner, Gesche M., et al.
(author)
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Effectively and equitably steering pro-environmental behavior
- 2023
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In: One Earth. - 2590-3330 .- 2590-3322. ; 6:4, s. 329-332
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- According to the IPCC, changes to our lifestyles and behavior could result in a 40%–70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. However, promoting impactful behavioral shifts through norms, policies, infrastructure, and technology remains challenging. This Voices asks: what must be considered to successfully guide low-carbon behavioral changes toward both sustainable and equitable outcomes?
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7. |
- Lopez-Feldman, Alejandro, 1975, et al.
(author)
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COVID-19: Impacts on the environment and the achievement of the SDGS in Latin America
- 2020
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In: Desarrollo y Sociedad. - 0120-3584 .- 1900-7760. ; 2020:86, s. 104-132
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The social and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures to contain it in Latin America could lead to a series of long run consequences that could impact the region’s achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). This article is the result of the collaboration of environmental economists from eight of the region’s countries and it discusses the possible pandemic effects on air pollution, deforestation, and other relevant environmental aspects related to the SDG. In addition to reviewing some of the initial effects of the sanitary crisis on the environment, we discuss its potential effects in terms of environmental regulations and public policy interventions. Finally, we discuss a new research agenda with topics derived from the pandemic as well as topics that have recently become more relevant because of it, including its impact on achieving the SDG.
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8. |
- Lopez-Feldman, Alejandro, 1975, et al.
(author)
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Environmental Impacts and Policy Responses to Covid-19: A View from Latin America
- 2020
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In: Environmental and Resource Economics. - 0924-6460 .- 1573-1502.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- COVID-19 is currently having major short run effects with possible serious long run implications for the environment and the management of natural resources in Latin America. We discuss the possible effects of the pandemic on air pollution, deforestation and other relevant environmental dimensions across the region. With contributions from environmental economists from eight countries, we give an overview of the initial and expected environmental effects of this health crisis. We discuss potential effects on environmental regulations, possible policy interventions, and an agenda for future research for those interested in the design and evaluation of environmental policies relevant for the Latin American context.
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9. |
- Lopez-Feldman, Alejandro, 1975, et al.
(author)
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Extreme weather events and pro-environmental behavior: evidence from a climate change vulnerable country
- 2022
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In: Applied Economics Letters. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1350-4851 .- 1466-4291. ; 31:5, s. 465-469
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Experiencing an extreme weather event and its consequences might make the risks associated with climate change more tangible, easier to evaluate, and more salient. Consequently, those experiences might translate into the adoption of pro-environmental behaviours. Understanding this relationship is fundamental for the successful design of policies aimed towards promoting the adoption of climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. This work contributes to the literature by showing that there is in fact a positive relation between experiencing an extreme weather event and willingness to take pro-environmental actions. The prevailing available evidence is for developed countries. Our empirical analysis is based on a nationally representative sample of households from Mexico, a developing country that is highly vulnerable to the effects of extreme weather events.
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10. |
- Zapata-Morán, Irene, et al.
(author)
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Tequila, bats, and agave farmers: towards an understanding of the right incentives to protect genetic diversity
- 2024
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In: Environmental Research Communications. - 2515-7620. ; 6:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Tequila has a designation of origin by which it can only be produced with the blue agave (Agave tequilana Weber blue variety) grown in certain regions of Mexico. For several decades, an intensive asexual technique of reproduction has prevailed in the tequila industry. This has not only been detrimental for the agave’s genetic diversity, but it has also harmed bat populations. The low levels of diversity have increased the agave’s exposure to pests and diseases and have limited the possibilities for artificial selection of beneficial characteristics that can improve production. Arguably, with the cooperation of producers and consumers, it is possible to have an environmentally friendly and resilient production system. We focus on the agave producers and analyze their willingness to let some of their plants flower in exchange of some monetary and non-monetary benefits. By analyzing data from a choice experiment, we show that farmers are willing to let some of their plants flower even when they only receive partial compensation for the value of the plants. Farmers also show a willingness to participate in a conservation program if they receive a non-monetary transfer or expect an increase in yield because of the program. Our results provide a relevant piece of information that can help policymakers, producers, NGOs, and other participants in the tequila industry, in the design of effective strategies that can lead to the genetic conservation of blue agave and the protection of magueyero bats.
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