Economics Archives

The Problems With Alternatives to Fossil Fuels

Can renewable energy replace fossil fuels? How do renewable energy sources compare to fossil fuel burning in terms of efficiency and output? Transitioning our energy sources away from fossil fuel consumption is a key environmental challenge of the 21st century. However, replacing fossil fuels altogether is likely impossible—at least in the near future. In this article, we’ll discuss the main problems with alternatives to fossil fuels (nuclear energy, wind energy, solar energy).

The Most Powerful Economies in the World, According to GDP

What are the most economically successful countries in the world? Does the GDP of a country accurately reflect its standard of living? The top three countries by GDP—the United States, China, and Japan—seem to thrive on the surface. However, a closer inspection tells a different story: High GDP doesn’t necessarily translate into a high standard of living. Here’s a closer look at the most powerful economies in the world.

The Food Production Carbon Footprint: How Bad Is It?

How does the food production industry contribute to climate change? What are some ways we can offset the CO2 emissions resulting from food production? Food production plays a huge role in climate change, and as the global population continues to rise, we must make changes in the way we produce and consume food. Specifically, we should reduce our reliance on nitrogen fertilizers, tackle food waste, and limit meat consumption. Here’s a look at food production’s carbon footprint in these areas.

A Closer Look at the Carbon Footprint of Transportation

What percentage of carbon emissions come from transportation? Is it possible to eliminate CO2 emissions in the transportation industry? Statistics show that one of the most significant contributors to carbon emissions is transportation/shipping. According to Vaclav Smil, the author of Numbers Don’t Lie, it would take a radical change to go carbon-neutral in these industries. Let’s look at the numbers behind the carbon footprint of the transportation and shipping industries.

What to Know About OPEC+’s Oil Price Increase

Why is there going to be an oil price increase? What effect will this have on you and the economy overall? OPEC+, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, recently announced plans to cut global oil production. With this announcement comes concerns about oil price increases and how this will impact gas prices for consumers as well as the U.S. economy overall. Keep reading to learn about the impending oil price increase, including possible energy solutions we should consider.

3 Poverty Interventions to Replace Short-Term Missions

Why don’t short-term missions help the poor? What poverty interventions work better than short-term missions? In When Helping Hurts, Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert encourage long-term development to help poor communities. To achieve this, they suggest a few poverty interventions to set communities on a successful path toward growth. Keep reading to learn more about these development strategies that are better than short-term missions.

A Deeper Look Into Poverty Around the World

What does poverty around the world look like? How can we better understand poverty at a deeper level? Poverty is an issue happening all around the world, but some people are approaching assistance in the wrong way. In When Helping Hurts, Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert say that before trying to reduce poverty, you need to understand what exactly is causing poverty. Find out what poverty around the world looks like so you can help solve it.

How Job Assistance Programs Help Solve Poverty

What is the key to alleviating poverty? How will job assistance programs help the poor? One solution that Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert, authors of When Helping Hurts, offer to reduce poverty is to set up job preparation programs in local communities. These programs can help improve skill sets and create job interview opportunities. Read below to learn how job assistance programs are the key to poverty alleviation.

The Asset-Based Community Development Approach

What is an asset-based community development approach? Why should you focus on assets when reducing poverty? In When Helping Hurts, Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert say that sometimes outside resources are not the solution to reducing poverty in communities. Instead, you should first look at what the community already has and work from there. Below we’ll look at how assets can change how you approach poverty alleviation.

How Do Immigrants Help the Economy? The 2 Big Benefits

How do immigrants help the economy in the United States? What are the domestic benefits of immigration? The U.S. is facing an unprecedented influx of immigrants seeking asylum. While many advocate deportation, research suggests the U.S. could benefit economically by allowing immigrants currently in the U.S. to stay and work. Keep reading to learn the two major ways that immigrants help the economy.