Since at least Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations in 1776, economists have asked why certain places grow, prosper, and achieve a higher standard of living compared to other places. Ever since growth started to accelerate following the industrial revolution, it has been characterized by, above all, unevenness across places within countries. Appalachia, the Italian “Mezzogiorno,”…

With the national economy virtually immobilized as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it might seem like the crisis is going to mute the issue of regional economic divergence and its pattern of booming superstar cities and depressed, left-behind places. But don’t be so sure about that. In fact, the pandemic might intensify the unevenness…

CSED Working Paper No. 33: Physician Social Networks and Geographic Variation in Medical Care

Over the past 20 years, the proportion of the world population living in extreme poverty has decreased by over 60 percent, a remarkable achievement. Yet further progress requires expanded development finance and more innovative solutions for raising shared prosperity and ending extreme poverty. In his new book, “An Accident of Geography: Compassion, Innovation and the […]

Brookings is adopting a long-overdue policy to properly recognize the identity of Black Americans and other people of ethnic and indigenous descent in our research and writings. This update comes just as the 1619 Project is re-educating Americans about the foundational role that Black laborers played in making American capitalism and prosperity possible. Without Black…

Looking back on this year, so much happened! I wanted to take a moment to go look back on the articles I had the most fun writing, the issues I had the most fun covering, and the adventures I had the most fun experiencing. Enjoy this look back!

Photo by Paolo Torchio Veteran wildlife photographer Paolo Torchio made a bizarre discovery while visiting Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve: a mysterious "bearded" antelope. While one expert suggests the animal might only be suffering from

An isolated winter scene beats out the competition in the annual awards ceremony.

Samuel James captures must-see photos of bootleg oil refining taking place in Nigeria's Niger Delta.

The sharing economy is all about access instead of ownership. Can this mindset be expanded to help hunters rethink what they value when it comes to trophy hunting?

Learn about the extent of ocean plastic pollution and what you can do to help.

A mug of herbal tea a day may keep the doctor away!

These popular hot beverages inhabit places of honor in our homes, apparently for very good reasons.

Her latest publication is every parent's dream come true -- an attempt to get teens to declutter.

Value of Fossil Fuel Exports By Fuel, 1949-2010

“Wild Concrete” reveals the unintentional greenery of urban environments through photography.

Earlier today, I wrote about a New York Times article that described Chicago's ongoing efforts to prepare for and adapt to a warming climate. I'd like to revisit that article for a second, as it just so

Tuna producers are notorious for unethical labor and unsustainable fishing. It's time to learn more and take action.

San Francisco is admirably progressive when it comes to reducing food waste and keeping food local and seasonal.

Traveling exhibit in Turkey prompts audiences to put on their 'climate glasses' and see how floods, fires, and drought in the country are all connected.

It's the most prestigious photography prize (and best paid) and here's this year's winner.

These impressive feats of architecture and engineering are one of India's traditional methods of water conservation. Now threatened by disuse and a growing water crisis, one photojournalist is documenting them before they are forgotten.

This competition for the best environmental photography never fails to be interesting and professional.

This could be why so many people ignore global warming.

The limited edition pieces are designed to give plastic waste a second life.

The information is pretty basic but it's not trivial, and would make a difference.

Megan McArdle at the Atlantic piles on the Infographic debate, " issuing a plea to bloggers to help stop this plague in its track."

Actually, a bit more than 100%.

Graphic designer Jack Hagley's new infographic shows the world's population as 100 people.

The story combines the beauty of nature, wanderlust, and the deep love that can exist between human and dog.

When you create a law to regulate something, there's always the danger that people will drive a truck through the loopholes, adhering to the letter of the law but not its spirit.

Take a breathtaking 9-minute journey with wildlife photographer Vincent Munier through the beautifully bleak frozen North, you won’t be sorry.

In photographer Yao Lu's "View of Waterfall with Rocks and Pines," two men stand underneath the spreading branches of a gnarled pine tree, aiming their cameras off in the distance, where

The wide use of antibiotics in factory farms to prevent infections and promote growth is a breeding ground for superbugs.

Out of 300 photos of golden cats taken over the course of over 18,000 trap days, just four images of kittens have been captured.

Having grown up in Connecticut’s ‘burbs, I know just how difficult it can be trying to live green there when the nearest grocery market can be a 25 minute drive away. My observations of one of the state’s wealthiest parts (Fairfield County) have felt

The People's Choice award went to photographer Jo-Anne McArthur, who took the photo in Cameroon.

It would weed out the people who just want a picture from those who actually want to see a famous site.

Can you guess which European cities have the highest percentage of walking + bicycling + public transport? Give it a shot.

On Tuesday, President Obama announced his new climate change plan. Below is an infographic produced by the White House illustrating some facts about climate change and how these new proposal

Wildlife photography has been celebrated for 50 years now, and it's getting better and better.

There are no trees in the winning shots, but it's still a stirring series of photos.

Mary Murphy partners with Osteo Bi-Flex®

March of Dimes volunteer ambassador and world famous photographer Anne Geddes is featured in a PSA to raise awareness about preventing preterm birth and give more babies a healthy start in life.

Video of legally-blind photographer living his Whole Day, as he captures a celebration of senses and movement

Mary Murphy partners with Osteo Bi-Flex®

Presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden strongly denies claims by Tara Reade that he sexually assaulted her in 1993, when he was a senator.

Microsoft confirms key specs of games console plus new ‘Smart Delivery’ feature allowing one-size-fits-all game purchases

Microsoft has confirmed that its next games console, the Xbox Series X, will feature a 12 teraflops graphics processor, eight times more powerful than the Xbox One graphics chipset.

The announcement, made by the Xbox chief, Phil Spencer, via Microsoft’s Wire news site, confirmed recent rumours about the machine, which is launching this winter.

Related: Follow your Dreams: how the future of playing video games is making them

Related: Xbox chief: 'We discussed whether we should even do another console'