# World

EU Ending 2012 in Best Shape in Years

The European Union has scored a series of mini-victories in recent months and is ending 2012 in perhaps the best shape of the past four years.

# World

Do Good AND Make Money With 'Social Impact Bonds'

A new type of financial instrument is challenging the idea that giving and investing are separate and distinct. The social impact bond (SIB) is an experimental hybrid that applies a profit motive to some of the most intractable social problems. The government of Canada added itself to a short list of agencies around the world considering SIB programs, which can be seen as an alternative to charitable donations -- great for investors looking to place capital in a way that will generate economic and social value at the same time.

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Greek Can-do Mayor Bucks National Trend in Fixing City Finances

70-year old Thessaloniki mayor Yannis Boutaris stands apart from the political mainstream, pulling off reforms that have so far evaded the national government in its three-year-old debt crisis. In contrast to the rest of Greece, this sea-front city of one million is shrinking debt, cutting business taxes to help firms and paying city employees and contractors on time.

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US Farmers May Stop Planting Genetically Modified Crops After Poor Yields

Some US farmers are considering returning to conventional seed after increased pest resistance and crop failures meant genetically modified (GM) crops saw smaller yields globally than their non-GM counterparts.

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$3 Million Fund to Aid Renewables in Canada

A new $3M fund being touted as the first of its kind in Canada will be launched tomorrow to support the development of small community-based renewable energy projects.

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Paper Companies Find Substitute for Trees

Paper Companies Find Substitute for Trees

# World

How a Divine Chocolate Company Gives Women Workers a Sweet Life in Ghana

In a country where women are not encouraged to lead, this chocolate maker has provided a delicious array of resources to empower them as part owners.

# World

World Makes Stunning Progress in Education of Young Children

Over the past 12 years, the world has made stunning progress toward the goal of having more children attend primary school. In sub-Saharan Africa, enrollment in primary school is up 18 percent; and globally, the number of young children not attending school has been cut by 35 percent -- a huge achievement.