19 must-read stories for the weekend

From mobile money to redundant robots, here are the 19 must-read stories of the week.

Is the meaning of work about to change? Disappearing jobs, skills shortages, and smart robots make for a jobs crisis cubed.

Mobile money is more than a nifty tech innovation. It could solve one of the world’s biggest challenges.

Global instability is the new normal. But businesses can still thrive – if they follow these six lessons.

The energy sector is changing fast. These are the key drivers.

Electric cars were slow starters. Invented in the 19th century, their use is accelerating fast. Might their revival spark the next oil crisis?

Meningitis on the retreat. Low-cost vaccinations have cut the cycle of epidemics and created one of the best-kept secrets in global health.

The limits of artificial intelligence. Why one company is replacing robots with humans.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution: estimating the impact of artificial intelligence. The hype, the fear, and the painstaking analysis of what headline-grabbing improvements really mean.

The illusion of time. Our past, present and future arise from heat and statistics.

China’s heavy industries are laying off 2 million workers. The shift from coal and steel comes with big social costs, and a $15 billion experiment in re-training.

Rebutting myths on Europe is a waste of time. Pro-European politicians, whatever their party, need to articulate their vision for the EU.

The world’s first cashless society? It isn’t where you think it is.

When a fixed amount of time meets limitless internet content, attention spans shorten. That’s the economics. But the internet also expands the number of ways humans interact. Ecology might be the better analytical frame.

What does our energy future look like? A new Forum report offers a glimpse. (Washington Post)

A most dishonourable crime. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, a Young Global Leader, wins an Oscar for her documentary on honour killings. (The National)

Workplace sexual harassment is all too common in Japan. Almost a third of women have been victims. Draws on Forum research. (The Guardian)

Talk of market meltdown is overblown, China’s central bank chief tells investors – the same message he shared in Davos. (Fortune)

Climate change is humanity’s most urgent threat, Leonardo DiCaprio – who won the Forum’s Crystal award for his environmental activism – warned in his Oscar acceptance speech. (The Hill)

Why young people really are the future. Their big, bold dreams could help us make the world a better place. Cites the Global Risks Report. (Huffington Post)

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