When the Roof Reflects: Heat, Learning, and Adaptation in Early Childhood Settings

Submitted by Arnaaz Zaman on

Cool roof technologies, especially cool roof paint, offer a low-cost, easily scalable, and low-emission alternative to energy-intensive air-conditioning for reducing heat exposure in buildings – an increasingly urgent need in developing countries facing rising temperatures due to climate change. We evaluate the effectiveness of a cool roof intervention – white reflective paint applied to the roofs of government pre-schools (Anganwadis) in Thiruvananthapuram district of the Indian state of Kerala—using a randomized controlled trial.

Energy, Policy Design

Language training, refugees' healthcare integration, and the next generation's health

Submitted by Luat Do on
EfD Authors:

Exploiting a policy reform mandating participation in a 300-h language training course in Norway, I investigate the multigenerational health effects of a comprehensive language training program. I document the significant positive impacts of the program, not only on the long-term integration of refugees into the healthcare system but also on the health of the next generation. The program improves the cumulative use of primary care services for 12 years after arrival by 44%.

Policy Design

The Role of Community Science in Addressing Policy Change: A Critical Review of Air Pollution Literature

Submitted by Belén Pulgar on
EfD Authors:

Abstract

Background Community air pollution science serves as a vital tool in public health and urban planning, enabling communities to advocate for policy changes that improve public health outcomes. Despite its potential, there is a noticeable gap in translating research findings into policy actions.

Objectives This review aims to assess the focus of studies on community air pollution science published between 1990-2023 and identify the extent to which these studies address the research-to-policy gap.

Air Quality, Health, Land, Policy Design, Urban

Impact of Early Childhood School Intervention on Enrolment and Learning Outcomes: Evaluation of a Public Program in India

Submitted by Ishita Datta on

The authors study what happened after pre-primary classes were added to government schools in West Bengal, India in 2013. Using different research methods, they looked at changes in enrolment and test scores. It was found that more children started attending pre-primary classes in these schools. But their test scores in reading and math did not improve compared to children in other states without the program. This may be because the schools did not get enough new classrooms or teachers to support the extra students.

Policy Design