Germany

Chinese agriculture is shifting away from some traditional products like gingko to capture Western markets<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/worldbank/5416212301/lightbox/">World Bank Photo Collection (flickr)</a>

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Value Chains

As Chinese farming goes global, some see risks

The reorientation of Chinese agriculture to an export-centric model is creating unprecedented domestic growth, but there may be a hidden cost to developing nations.

The SolarKiosk in an Ethipoian village provides electricity, products, and commerce for the community. Photo: <a href="http://www.solarkiosk.eu/?p=373"> SolarKiosk</a>

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SolarKiosk rolls self-powered electricity stores into Ethiopia

A mobile, modular kiosk is bringing solar power and products to off-the-grid communities in Ethiopia, and creating a business hub in the process.

This infographic shows how China and the U.S. compare with regards to current renewable energy capacity. Image: <a href="http://1bog.org/blog/infographic-why-china-is-kicking-our-ass-in-clean-tech">One Block Off The Grid</a>

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Solyndwha? Worldwide, cleantech industry is thriving

While recent criticisms around the failure of clean energy companies such as Solyndra abound, a new report from Clean Edge shows that globally, the industry is growing rapidly.

Could an open source philosophy be the evolution of policy creation? Photo:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nanpalmero/4278466639/sizes/m/in/photostream/">Nan Palermo (Flickr)</a>

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Steal this policy! Why the public sector should learn to share

Hey Germany, let’s have coffee. The simple act of sharing best policy practices could help resuscitate the global economy. So why aren’t we doing it?

Critics say developed countries have broken promises for international aid. Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dfid/5491899695/">UK Department for International Development (flickr)</a>

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As international aid patterns shift, microfinance picks up the slack

With cause for concern about the future of international aid amid the financial crisis faced by rich countries, some developing nations find microfinance playing an increasing role in fueling local growth.

The European Central Bank looms large over the Euro debt crisis. Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/soumit/928182271/">soumit (flickr)</a>

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Europe's Financial Troubles Worry Neighbors

As Europe attempts to thwart a broader global recession, it is facing what many economists refer to as a trilemma, and poorer countries could be the victims.

Managing Director of the IMF Christine Lagarde meets China's Vice Premier Wang Qishan, Beijing, China. Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imfphoto/6329172810/in/photostream/">International Monetary Fund (flickr)</a>

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For China, flush with cash, financial crisis may mean political opportunity

The global financial crisis has shaken up the international seating chart, and China may be vying for a better spot.

Some say a transaction tax could put humans back in charge of financial markets. Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rogbu/3064449616/in/photostream/">RoGb77 (flickr)</a>

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An anti-poverty tax, some say, could save financial markets from themselves

As lightning-fast computer programs replace human brokers on Europe's virtual trading floors, anti-poverty warriors want to slow things down.

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Guide to the Global Summit

The G-20 is meeting this week in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Popular vacation destinations are ready to give tourists what they're looking for, all that's missing now are the tourists themselves. Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mscolly/12990079/">Marvin (PA) (flickr)</a>

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Slow Summer Tourist Season Means Job Losses for Many

Ah, summer. A time of rest, relaxation, meticulously planned vacations ... and this year, less travel.

These squares represent how much land would be needed to power the world, Europe or Germany with solar-thermal power. Photo: <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/04/solar-thermal-power-photos-how-much-world-europe-germany.php#ch01">Treehugger</a>

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Saharan Solar Plants Could Power All of Europe

A single solar farm in the Sahara desert could provide clean electricity for all of Europe.

Loyalty to Mugabe guides central bank governor Gideon Gono. Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sokwanele/2068299209/">Sokwanele (flickr)</a>

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Banker Answers To God

Zimbabwe central bank governor Gideon Gono says “traditional economics do not fully apply to this country”.

Global warming gives knowing weather patterns new economic impacts. Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gara/272385517/">Stefan Gara (flickr)</a>

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New Take On Temperature

No global temperature change for ten years sounds too good to be true.

In Japan, her overnight hospital stay would only cost her $10. Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hamed/262522417/">Hamed Saber (flickr)</a>

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The Cost of Health Care

“Every 30 seconds in the United States someone files for bankruptcy in the aftermath of a serious health problem,” according to the National Coalition on Health Care.

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The Implication of Economic Indoctrination

Children learn based on their teachers-- and often national policy regarding education. This month's issue of Foreign Policy explores how the way Germany and France teach economics may spell a dismal economic future.