The Simplest Way to End Poverty?

If you haven't had a chance yet, I highly recommend checking out Co.Exist, a new media site focused on "innovation that's going to change the way we live and the resources we use." Filling a niche that other outlets rarely address, it discusses "creative solutions that make everyone rich while helping the people of the world lead fulfilling lives."

Over the weekend, I spoke with Michael J. Coren, cofounder of MajorPlanet Studios and former science and environment producer for CNN.com, about the Global Assets Project's recent paper on conditional cash transfers (CCTs). Our conversation touched on the emerging evidence that cash transfers have a marked impact on developmental outcomes for disadvantaged households. In addition, it highlighted the historical antecedents for such progams and the extent to which -- although new technologies will help CCTs to do more with less -- basic investments in infrastructure, hospitals, and schools are essential to the success of anti-poverty interventions.

Read the full piece here (and be sure to check out all the other cool stuff on Co.Exist while you're there!).