Topic: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

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The 5 most educated countries in the world

The Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development recently released its Education at a Glance 2012 report. Here are the five most educated countries in the world.

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More women in the boardroom? Europe considers forcing the issue.

Gender quotas are receiving increased attention – and dividing governments – across Europe.
Energy Voices Clean energy will be world's No. 2 source of power by 2016, IEA says

Clean energy will be the second largest global source of electricity by 2016, according to a new report from the International Energy Agency. Only coal will generate more electricity than clean energy within three years, the IEA projects.
Jumper kills 5-year old girl in South Korea

Jumper kills 5-year old: A man jumped from the 11th floor of a building, committing suicide. But he also killed a 5-year girl walking by on the sidewalk.
Energy Voices Oil boom boosts US, but Europe could see decline

The benefits of the North American oil boom on this side of the Atlantic are well-documented – and the same technologies might help developing nations. But Europe's energy industry, which separately became a target of a price-fixing investigation, could emerge as a loser.
Energy Voices US oil boom means oil prices must drop, right? Wrong.

Even though production of oil from new fields in the U.S. is booming, there is a consistent decline in production from old fields around the world, and OPEC members have not increased production. Meanwhile, though demand for oil is falling in the US, it continues to grow around the world.
'A Nation at Risk': How much of 'apocalyptic' education report still applies?

'A Nation at Risk,' released 30 years ago Friday, was one of a series of reports sounding alarms. Some of the same issues in US schools still resonate today, although progress in certain areas has come through various reforms.
Energy Voices The many empty meanings of 'energy security'

We have talked about the concept of ‘energy security’ so much that it no longer means anything, Holland writes. It is time to retire the term.
Tax VOX How should the US pay for corporate tax reform?

Corporate tax reform in the US seems to be inevitable, Harris writes, but questions remain over how to pay for it. Finland may have the answer.
Exporting Grandma? Some German elderly head abroad for nursing care

Long-term nursing insurance is a pillar the German welfare model, but the system is increasingly stressed by the aging population – leading some elderly to go to other EU countries for care.
Opinion Advice for Secretary Kerry on International Women's Day

As he marks his first International Women's Day as America's secretary of State, here are three areas where John Kerry can advance Hillary Rodham Clinton's work over the past four years on behalf of women and girls.
North Korea steps up rhetoric: How far will it push?

While North Korea does not have the capability to launch a nuclear strike against the US, analysts say they are paying attention to these new threats.
The Monitor's View A global contest of values in EU-US-China trade

As China endorses a reformer as president and the EU and US plan a free-trade pact, the competition to set trade rules heats up. A EU-US pact would strengthen their economies and send a signal to China to take more responsibility for higher trade standards.
Test the teacher? Educators balk at Mexico's reforms

The powerful teachers' union opposes the new education reform enacted this week, but supporters say it could improve competitiveness and boost Mexico's standing in the global economy.
Energy Voices Why globalization is energy intensive and wreaks havoc on oil prices

Globalization uses up finite resources like oil and coal more quickly, Tverberg writes. It also increases carbon dioxide emissions and acts to increase world oil prices, she adds.
Energy Voices Oil, gas, and the investment sinkhole problem

If we want to “grow” oil and gas production at all, businesses will need to keep investing increasing amounts of money (and energy) into oil and gas extraction, Tverberg writes. For this to happen, prices paid by consumers for oil and gas will need to continue to rise.
Opinion US manufacturing is key to competitiveness

US global competitiveness is slipping. But there is some good news: US manufacturing is in the midst of a revival. Preparing a skilled workforce for the manufacturing sector should be one of the Obama administration’s top economic priorities. This can boost competitiveness.
When Britain talks Europe exit, who cares about 'euro crisis'?

'Brexit' replaces 'Grexit' even as last year's prophets of doom go in hiding: Greek, Italian, Spanish crises seem on auto-pilot as continent's glitterati ski at swanky Davos.
Geography of joy? Where the world's happiest people live.

Seven of the world's 10 countries with the most upbeat attitudes are in Latin America, says a new Gallop survey. Panama is No. 1 on the list. People in 148 nations were asked: Were they well-rested, had they been treated with respect, smiled or laughed a lot, learned or did something interesting and felt feelings of enjoyment the previous day.
Energy Voices Coal on the rise as developing nations seek cheap fuel

Coal will surpass oil as the world’s most popular fuel source within 10 years, according to a report from the International Energy Agency.
New push for two-year degrees could be smart move for US, report says

The US ranks 5th in the world for the share of its adults with degrees, but only 18th when looking at the two-year programs that the study author says will be sufficient for many jobs in the future.
Fuel subsidies get scrutiny at Doha talks

Nations spend more than $500 billion to keep fossil fuel prices low, which is popular with voters but harms the climate. Removing fossil-fuel subsidies would lower carbon emissions by more than 10 percent by 2050, the OECD calculates.
Cover Story Global water crisis: too little, too much, or lack of a plan?

The global water crisis – caused by drought, flood, and climate change – is less about supply than it is about recognizing water's true value, using it efficiently, and planning for a different future, say experts.
Will outgoing President Calderón be remembered for more than Mexico's violence? (+video)

Calderón's legacy will likely include Mexico's heavy drug war death toll. But he made positive strides on the economic front with average annual inflation at historic lows.
'Fiscal cliff' reality check: Are US taxes low or high? (+video)

As Washington confronts the 'fiscal cliff' and seeks a deal to reduce the deficit, one key issue is the tax rate. Comparatively, US taxes are low, but politically, a big hike is a nonstarter.
'Fiscal cliff': Obama, Republicans revert to campaign mode

President Obama met with small-business owners Tuesday, meets with middle-class Americans and business leaders Wednesday. Republicans, too, are orchestrating meetings, as both sides vie to win public's support for their approach to resolving the fiscal cliff crisis.