Shell postpones plans for Arctic drilling

Shell oil company announced today that it will postpone the drilling in the Arctic of Alaska, scheduled for later this year, reducing at the same time, the overall investment in exploration in € 9 billion ($ 29.8 billion), from €46 billion to € 37 billion (r $ 152 billion to $ 122 billion).

According to the new CEO, Ben van Beurden, disinvestment has against the backdrop of a series of initiatives that depict the "loss of momentum" of the company. Like Green Savers stepped forward last week, Shell presented profits below the expected in 2013 â€" a reduction of 71%.

Shell's decision to postpone drilling in Alaska was received with enthusiasm by environmentalists. "It's not nice to say it," explained van Beurden, "but the lack of a clear path [in this case] means that I'm not prepared to commit more resources to the Alaska drilling in 2014".

According to the activist Charlie Kronick, of Greenpeace Arctic, Shell has spent "enormous amounts of time and money on a project that added nothing except a bad reputation and incompetence".  "The only reasonable decision was van Beurden, which decided to decrease the company's losses and fend off future plans to drill the Arctic remote".

Foto:  zieak / Creative Commons

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Portuguese company develops software that allows you to detect water leaks and analyze consumption

ISA-Intelligent Sensing Anywhere â€" has developed a new software that allows the managing bodies of water supply systems to detect leaks and analyze consumption automatically.

In addition to detailed information about the consumptions in each zone and measuring and control of clients that are associated with that same zone â€" telemetry systems solutions have enabled-, Kisense Water allows you to detect leaks and allows the crossing and automatic analysis of the information collected and intelligent analysis of flow rates, refer to ISA said in a statement.

Currently, "water losses and consumption not invoiced represent a significant proportion of the water consumed in the networks and, consequently a troubling cost for managing entities of waters", reads the document. The average losses in national network amounts to 30%.

In this way, the software developed by the national technology, with headquarters in Coimbra, allows to fund managers by reducing the costs associated with the monitoring of unauthorized uses, reducing the costs associated with the reading of counters and the improvement of the management of parks of counters and customer relations.

Foto:  nucce / Creative Commons

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Warmer seas are becoming smaller fish

In the last four decades, the North sea species have decreased in size approximately 29%, and scientists believe that rising temperatures may be the factor that is to trigger the declining size of the fish.

The researchers concluded that the maximum size of the haddock, herring, halibut, flounder, whiting and pout declined about 29 percent over the past 38 years, while temperatures in the North Sea have increased by between one to two degrees Celsius.

Scientists at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, also indicate that the availability of food and fisheries increase can be plausible factors for the decrease in size. But, the decrease "synchronized" in size several fish species lead researchers to believe that the increase in temperature of water is the factor which is making the smaller fish.

"Our analysis indicates that most species of fish examined experienced a synchronized size reduction over the period analyzed," said Alan Baudron, researcher who led the study. "What's interesting is that the decrease was observed in a wide range of species have different diets, live the different depths and experience different levels of mortality caused by fishing," he adds.

According to investigators, referred to by the Guardian, warmer waters make the fish grow faster, which makes it grow so much. "The period of maximum size reduction coincided with years when temperatures of the waters of the North Sea have increased," said Baudron.

Foto: Derek Keats / Creative Commons

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Italy: Boulder falls on top of the mountain and destroy property with 300 years

The nature of these things: a giant boulder of 4,000 cubic meters fell from the top of a mountain in Tramin, Northern Italy, destroying a property with 300 years â€" The Freisingerhof. The video of the destruction was captured by a drone and it was him we pulled photos that you can see below.

According to the South Tyrol News, rock destroyed a barn, a House and several vineyards, a prejudice of millions of euros. The losses were confirmed by Baron Philipp von Hohenbuhel, director of the land â€" which is owned by the Servite order of the Catholic Church.

The Boulder just stopped at a second rock, which has fallen on another occasion. A third rock will have fallen to the other two. The rocks didn't hit nobody, but the area has been evacuated, since geologists worry that other boulders might fall in the next few days.

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Young polar Explorer crossed Antarctica to draw attention to climate change

Parker Liautaud established, in 2013, the record for the fastest person to walk unaided to the South Pole. The 19-year-old student of French and American descent, traveled in 18 days the approximately 505 kilometres that separate the coast of Antarctica from the pole, besting the previous record achieved by the Norwegians Ottar Haldorsen and Jacob Melan in almost four days.

However, this young Columbus had an approach quite different from the other explorers. When he began his journey, one of the objectives was to collect about 2,500 samples for that climate change can be studied by academic institutions, since the primary objective of their adventure at the South Pole was to raise awareness of climate change.

Liautaud started his journey on December 6, 2013 Ross Ice Shelf and reached the South Pole on Christmas Eve. The young student of Yale University was accompanied by Doug Stoup. The two explorers pulled sleds material with about 80 kilos each, facing temperatures of 50 degrees Celsius.

"What we wanted to do was make a compelling story in which people could be a part of a region that is to be significantly impacted by climate change," said the young man told Reuters.

Liautaud expects the expedition can inform and convince the public about the real dangers of climate change. "There is the awareness that there is a consensus among the scientific community about the existence of global warming", indicates the Explorer. "People are not only divided on the issue as they don't speak about the problem," he adds.

According to the Huffington Post, the samples collected by Liautaud are being analyzed by a research institution in New Zealand who is studying the changes in the composition of the soil and ice that could better clarify the climate changes in the region in question

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Google wants 100% renewable energy

Google continues its strategy of having, in the medium term, 100% of their electricity supplied by renewable sources. The last chapter in this epic was a recent agreement with the Swedish Eolus Vind wind company, which will provide power for 29 turbines located in southern Sweden, a total of 59 megawatts over the next 10 years.

The farms are located in different locations, to decrease the risk of breaks in electricity supply, and will be activated in 2015.

At the end of last year, says Business Week, Google announced an investment of €55 million (US $ 180 million) in a wind farm of 182 megawatts in Texas, the United States, which should start at the end of the year. All the power generated here will be used by the information technology giant.

"We are always looking for ways to increase the amount of renewable energy we use," explained the director-general of the Google infrastructure, François Sterin, which in recent years has spent much of his time researching the subject of renewable.

Google has already spent more than €730 million (US $ 2.4 billion) in investments in wind and solar energy, a total of 2 gigawatts generated â€" enough to electrify 500 thousand American homes for a year.

In August, 33% of the energy used by Google came from renewable sources, but the American giant does not yet have a date for the end of this sustainable project.

Foto:  Charles Ovens / Creative Commons

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New species of freshwater dolphin discovery in Brazil is already in danger

The scientific community has discovered a new species of freshwater dolphins, the first in almost 100 years. Called "Araguaia", name of the river where it was discovered, it was the fifth species of freshwater dolphins to be discovered.

This species diverged from other freshwater fish that can be found in South America for more than two million year, having been the first to be discovered since 1918. Scientists estimate that there are only about 1,000 copies of the species inhabiting the river Araguaia says Plos One.

The freshwater dolphins are quite rare. Of the five extant species, three are critically endangered and researchers consider that the Araguaia dolphins should be included in this list. The closest this new species Dolphin is the pink dolphin or the Amazon, which is considered to be the most intelligent species of freshwater dolphins.

Scientists indicate that there are some differences in the number of teeth and the native species of the Araguaia River is smaller, but the main differences in relation to other freshwater dolphins were found in genes.

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The British Government helped the shale gas industry dealing with opposition

The exploration of gas and oil from shale has been strongly contested by the British population. However, the British Government's position in relation to the exploitation of these resources is contrary to the wishes of the population.

Several e-mail messages, disclosed under the freedom of information rules â€" which requires that public entities disclose spontaneously and regularly information on its activities or upon request, show that the British Government collaborated, in private, with the shale industry, helping these companies to deal with the opposition of the British citizens to the hydraulic fracturação.

According to the messages exchanged, disclosed by the Guardian, British Government officials exchanged guidelines on how to deal with the social opposition. Executives and Government members met for dinner and also cafes, where members of the companies have exchanged lists of potential stakeholders.

The opposition has criticized the Government's stance, accusing him of being the right-hand man of the oil industry. However the Government clarified the dates and messages exchanged. This week David Cameron claimed the British Executive would support the exploitation of gas and oil from shale and announced incentives for administrations and local communities, which were classified as bribes by the opposition.

Foto:  Abode of Chaos / Creative Commons

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Guanabara Bay still polluted the two years of the Olympic Games

The two years of the Olympic Games in Brazil, the Guanabara Bay, which should (or should) get the sailing competition, still full of trash, debris and all kinds of pollution.

The Bay, which is one of the great symbols of Rio de Janeiro, an iconic place repeatedly painted and sung by artists, continues to receive water from the sewers â€" industrial and human pollution is one of the major problems of the Brazilian city.

According to the Assistant Secretary of State for the environment of the River, only 34% of the city's sewers are treated â€" the remaining part is sent into the water.

If the Guanabara Bay remain polluted, the Organization will have to find a new location to receive the evidence of sailing, canoeing, rowing, and swimming.

Here are a few current photos of Guanabara. Think, within two years, the Bay will be ready to receive the Olympic Games?

Foto:  Leandro’s World Tour / Creative Commons

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McDonalds promises to buy sustainable beef from 2016

The multinational fast-food McDonald's admitted that will buy sustainable beef from 2016, according to the GreenBiz. According to the company, this measure comes to meet the growing environmental appeals and consumer concern with the origin of the food.

The company explains, however, that still doesn't know what is sustainable meat, with the concept of "green steak" still under construction. "The sustainable meat won't be defined by Mcdonald ' s.The key is to make the concept is defined by a group of stakeholders and broad coalition. We need a greater critical mass, "explained Bob Langert, Vice President of the company's sustainability.

To reach an understanding was created the Global Conference on Sustainable Meat, a group composed of large corporate players â€" Walmart, Cargill â€" and NGOs such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Last year, the Group issued a draft version of a document entitled "principles and criteria for Sustainable Meat".

The principles include people (human rights, safe and healthy working environment); Community (culture, heritage, employment, land rights, animal health and welfare, food safety and quality); natural resources (ecosystem health): and the efficiency and innovation (reducing waste, optimizing the production, economic vitality).

The fast-food network also States that is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its products. The idea is part of a basic principle: If the business is sustained in the flesh, so that is more ecological meat â€" currently, 28% of the company's carbon footprint comes from animal protein

The meat that supplies more than 30 thousand restaurants worldwide network does not come directly from farmers or slaughterhouses. The McDonald's buys frozen product ´ from about 20 food processing companies around the world. Today, there are about 400 thousand farms animals that provide the network of fast food.

It is recalled that, in 2012, the famous chef Jamie Oliver had criticized the fast food company due to use of ammonium hydroxide on the products. The McDonald's accounts for 1.5% to 2% of all meat consumption in the countries in which it operates.

Foto:  21TonGiant / Creative Commons

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São Paulo: municipalities with more than 70% of preserved area may have tax benefits

The city of São Paulo is discussing a draft law which exempts from social security contributions all municipalities that have more than 70% of its area preserved â€" in forms of protected areas or permanent preservation area. If the Bill is approved, these municipalities will pay the 22 percent on the salaries of its employees.

The project was conceived by Mr Roberto de Lucena, of the Green Party, and adds devices to organic law of Social Security. The current legislation provides that companies should contribute to the financing of the so-called general system of Social Security (RGPS), with an average rate of 22% on the total of the salaries of workers who provide services to them.

This standard applies to cameras â€" city halls â€" that do not have own pension schemes, in order to ensure the social security of its employees â€" and not only.

However, as explained by Roberto de Lucena, in protected areas and in permanent preservation area is prohibited to build, to plant or explore the economic activity. "Thus the municipalities that have most of their territory in these areas do not have an economy strong enough to cope with all the tax burden", explains Mr.

Roberto de Lucena follow Twitter.

Now, the project will be analyzed by the committees on the environment and Sustainable Development, security (Security) Social and Family, of finance and taxation, and the Constitution, justice and citizenship.  In a short time, it can be a reality and inspiration for other Brazilian cities and even countries.

Photo: Miradas.com.br / Creative Commons

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Google opens vacancies for employees who speak Portuguese

Google just opened vacancies for professionals who speak fluent Portuguese and English, to work in cities such as Dublin, New York, Sao Paulo and Lisbon â€" and in the u.s. State of California. According to the Jobs around the world, also YouTube, which belongs to the same group, looking for professionals with the same characteristics to the Creator, Communiy Communications and in San Bruno, California.

De acordo com o site de empregos, o Google tem vagas para Product Quality Analyst, Legal Assistant e Community Manager, em Dublin, na Irlanda; Audience Development Strategist e Analytical Linguist, em Nova Iorque; Enterprise Direct Sales Representative Google Apps e Legal Assistent, na California; Legal Assistent, Account Manager, Marketing Manager, Interactive Producer, Platform Partnerships Lead, Developer Relations Program Manager, Strategic Partner Manager, Project Executive, Head of Media Platforms, Associate Online Specialist, Regional Facilities Manager, Regional Security Manager, Finance Operations Project and Process Analyst, em S.Paulo, no Brasil e Industry Manager Multisector, em Lisboa, Portugal.

Candidates must be licensed, creative, dynamic, strong ability to work in team and experience in similar functions. You can access the application at this link.

In the case of vacancies made available to YouTube, applicants must present professional experience, licensed, be proactive and dynamic. The functions are for helping millions of video producers creating captivating content, developing a loyal following and find success with YouTube.

Apply here for YouTube.

Foto: Robert Scoble / Creative Commons

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IKEA will help illuminate the refugee camps

IKEA, through the IKEA Foundation â€" in partnership with the UN Agency for Refugees (UNHCR), will help illuminate the refugee camps in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, in an initiative entitled "a better life for refugees".

Between 3 February and 29 March, for each LED bulb sold on the Swedish brand stores, IKEA Foundation will donate € 1 to UNHCR so that access to the lighting, renewable energy and basic education be improved in the refugee camps.

According to Jonatahn Spampinato, director of Institutional Relations and Strategic Planning of the IKEA Foundation, the program aims to "make the lives of refugees better, with more opportunities". "The darkness has many negative aspects in life," stressed in the programme presentation Spampinato which took place today at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Lisbon.

Currently there are approximately 10.5 million refugees worldwide, of which about half are children. In 2013, more than two million people have become refugees â€" which represents a new record in 20 years.

"The campaign is more important than the UN launched with private sector companies," said Laura Iucci, Director of Corporate Projects and Fundraising of the UNHCR. "Sometimes we think make donations have to be rich, but that's not true", stated the representative of the UN agency, explaining that through the IKEA everyone can help make a difference and improve the conditions of refugee camps.

"The lack of lighting in most fields can have a devastating effect on security, education and income prospects of refugees. The absence of sunlight means that even the simplest activities, how to use the bathroom, collect water or go back to the shelter can be dangerous, particularly for women and girls, "IKEA said in a statement. According to Laura Iucci, on average, a refugee goes on between 12 to 13 years in a refugee camp, sites that have an average size similar to the city of Porto.

The money collected during the campaign will help the refugees from the camps in Jordan, Sudan, Bangladesh, Chad and Ethiopia.

In parallel, the project involves the exposure of a Royal tent, used by families in refugee camps, which aims "to raise awareness of the situation in which they live and refugees assist UNHCR in response to one of the biggest problems in these fields: the lack of illumination".

The exhibition of the tent is made in partnership with the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. The tent will be exposed in the gardens of the Foundation until February 12, next to the Art Library, with free entry.

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Fish oil may help prevent Alzheimer's

Eating more fish can contribute to a bigger brain and help prevent Alzheimer's disease. A new American study indicates that people with higher levels of Omega-3 in the body, which can be purchased through the fatty acids of fish, have a larger brain volume in more advanced ages.

The decrease in brain volume is a sign of Alzheimer's but also the normal aging process. Owning the larger brain volume in advanced ages is the equivalent to preserve between one to two years of mental health, the study that was published in the scientific journal Neurology.

One of the keys to the Omega-3 Docosahexaenoic acid is hexaenóico, which is believed to help the central nervous system cells to communicate with each other. The richest sources of Omega-3 and other fatty acids are fish with large percentage of natural oil, such as sardines, herring and mackerel.

"Our study suggests that a larger reserve of fatty acids and Omega-3 can help slow the loss of cognitive function that can monitor brain atrophy," says the study's author, James Pottala, University of South Dakota. "These higher levels of fatty acids can be achieved through a more fish-based diet and through the use of supplements. The results indicate that the effect on cerebral volume is equivalent to slow normal brain cell loss that occurs with aging, between one to two years, "he explains.

Besides the sardines, herring and mackerel, also the white fish such as cod, flounder and haddock, are a good source of fatty acids, although possessing smaller amounts. Coupled with the increased consumption of fish, fish oil supplements are recommended as prevention of heart attack and sudden death. With a diet of fish more regularly the odds of surviving a heart attack increases a third.

Fatty acids Act in different ways in reducing the risk of heart attacks: reduce blood fat, reduce the risk of blood clots and reduce arrhythmias, which can prove fatal. These acids can reduce brain inflammation and play an important role in brain development and in the renewal of the cells of the central nervous system.

Foto: Ultima_Bruce / Creative Commons

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Pollution in China is coming to the United States

China's pollution is spreading in large quantities across the Pacific Ocean, according to the United States, reveals a new study. This effect is to cause side effects on the environment and health of Americans.

In some days of the year, acid rain caused by the burning of fossil fuels in China may be responsible for up to a quarter of sulfate pollution in the Western United States, points to a study conducted by a team of American and Chinese researchers, published by the National Academy of Sciences of the United States.

Cities like Los Angeles are experiencing a smog day extra per year due to nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide produced by the export industry of China, points out the study.

Between 17% to 36% of various air pollutants from China, in 2006, came from the production of goods for export, referred to the study, and a fifth of those assets were linked to trade between China and the United States. Currently, one-third of greenhouse gases produced in China from exporting industries.

The neighboring countries of China, notably Japan and South Korea, have suffered regularly from toxic clouds from China over the past decades, since the environmental regulations were sacrificed in favor of economic and industrial growth.

However, the new study indicates that many of the pollutants, including black carbon â€" impure form of carbon produced during the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, wood and biomass-which contributes to climate change and is related to the cancer and coronary and pulmonary diseases, can travel great distances through the air masses known as "westerlies" ("westerlies").

Cross-border pollution has been an issue discussed in the international climate negotiations, in which China has argued that developed countries should take responsibility for a portion of greenhouse gases of China, since these are sourced in the manufacture of products ordered Western countries.

"International cooperation to reduce cross-border transport of polluted air must face the question of who is responsible for the emissions in a given country for the production of goods that support consumption in another country," said the study which is quoted by the Guardian.

Foto:  somiz / Creative Commons

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Escape unemployment via organic farming

After a long administrative career, Teresa Rodrigues was unemployed at the age of 53 years. Without waiting for the job to hit the door, this Lisbon decided to put his hands on the ground and start your own business, proving that life can give great laps, even after 50.

This is how it started the Quinta da Pedra Branca. After becoming unemployed, Teresa Rodrigues moved to Lisbon, with the family, to the village of Monte Gordo, in Mafra, where in 1995 acquired the land from the farm.

After great dedication to reclaim the lands of Pedra Branca, which once gave work to many of the inhabitants of the village in fruit-growing and vine, the family of Teresa Rodrigues transformed the place from a farm dedicated to organic farming.

"The idea of this project came up initially for pleasure in agriculture and by eating vegetables and fruit for a healthy and enjoyable way. However, the outcomes for some professionals and professional instability to others gave the big push in the decision to embrace this project, "says Teresa Rodrigues.

Even before becoming a farmer, the former in matter by organic farming. "Three years before Quinta da Pedra Branca exist became associated with the Agrobio, in order to participate in the existing formations, have access to information disclosed," says Teresa Rodrigues. "At the time, with so few knowledge about organic farming, the Agrobio was very useful for me, becoming a great source of knowledge, motivating and driving force" reveals.

The five hectares of the farm are managed by various members of the family and produce essentially organic hampers for sale to the public. The main project of Quinta da Pedra Branca is the Bio-Nice Campaign, which aims to "promote essentially three components: Nice in flavor, pleasant in the environment and pleasant in price" indicates Teresa Rodrigues. "When the family decided to embrace this biological commitment every conversation that appeared on the draft converged on the importance of these points as a means to expand and provide the greatest number of people, a healthy diet".

Currently the farm produces three types of baskets: small and large (five and eight pounds, respectively), with pre-defined and custom products, where consumers can choose the amount and variety of products. All products have Ecocert certification in organic production.

The baskets can be purchased every Saturday on the market or market of Loures Agrobio online and orders delivered later in six previously defined points.

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European Union energy costs the American double

The difference between the cost of energy in the European Union (EU) and its major trading partners is increasing more and more. The conclusion is a report which will be published by the European Commission this week and which indicates that the cost of electricity in the Community zone exceed double the prices charged in the United States and exceed 20% in the prices recorded in China.

Industrial gas prices are between three to four times higher than the prices Americans and Russians, being still of 12% higher than those of China, points to the report of the Committee to which the Financial Times had access.

"Although Europe has never been a place of cheap energy prices, in recent years the difference in costs between the EU and the main economic partners has increased," the report reads. The document, which is expected to be released this week, is part of the energy and climate package that will shape energy use in Europe until 2030.

The new package of measures have promoted the debate a bit by all Member States on the possibility of the energy and climate policies, which apply until 2020, they affect the competitiveness of the European bloc.

As for the factors that are promoting this deepening of the price differences between the EU and the United States, the document is not very specific, indicating only that the differences have increased due to several reasons, including domestic subsidies of some producer countries and the increase of shale gas exploration in American territory.

Another of the conclusions set out in Brussels report is the possible stabilization of energy prices after 2020, followed by a slight decline as renewables are replacing fossil fuels.

The Financial Times indicates that the Commission is to announce later this week the targets for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases by 2030, as well as introduce regulation for exploration of gas and oil from shale.

Foto:  EdinburghGreens / Creative Commons

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Bill Gates: in 2035 there will be poor countries

Earlier in the day we published a study of the non-governmental organization Oxfam that realizes that the 85 richest people in the world â€" which includes Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft-hold a fortune equivalent to the resources of the poorer half of the world's population, about 3.5 billion people.

However, poverty may be moving towards the end â€" or at least the existence of poor countries. That's the vision of Bill Gates, Melinda & in its annual letter, freshly shed, tries to demystify three ideas linked to the economies of the countries: poor countries are destined to remain poor; foreign aid is a waste; and save lives generate overcrowding.

"We believe the opposite, and we think [these three realities] are transforming the planet for the better. Thus, in two decades will be even better ", can be read in the letter.

According to Bill Gates, who wrote the first debunking idea, "in 2035 there will be almost no poor countries in the world".

"Almost all countries will be in what we now call ' low-middle income ', or even richer. The countries will learn from its neighbors more productive and benefit from innovations like vaccines, better seed and the digital revolution. Their new work forces, encouraged by the expansion of education, will attract new investments, "Gates continued.

According to the World Bank, a poor country has a per capita Gross national product of $ 1,035 or less. There are about €765 ($ 2,425).

Today, according to these parameters, there will be 36 poor countries worldwide: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Kyrgyzstan (pictured), Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zimbabwe, North Korea, Somalia and Myanmar.

In many of these cases, it will not be hard to climb one step in the table. The Kyrgyzstan have just upped their standard of living in 5%, over the next two decades, to leave this group. Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, however, will have many difficulties in leaving the group. Also North Korea, by political issues, countries with civil war or isolated within Africa are unlikely to leave.

Bill Gates is still optimistic. "It will be a memorable event. When I was born, most countries of the world was poor. Over the next two decades, desperately poor countries will be an exception â€" and not the rule. Millions of people out of extreme poverty, and the idea that all this will happen in the course of my life let me on cloud nine, "Gates concluded.

Foto:  FeedtheFuture / Creative Commons

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Species of shark that was thought extinct rediscovered in a market of Kuwait

The Carcharhinus leiodon, species of shark that was thought extinct for several decades, was rediscovered in a market of Kuwait (see below), with several individuals dead and for sale. According to the international press, is the first time in 110 years that an individual of this species is found.

Scientists were alerted to the presence of a rare species of shark in the markets of Kuwait, having found 37 copies of the "mysterious shark", already dead and ready to be sold. Still, researchers have collected enough information to prepare a conservation plan, said the international press.

Before this episode, only two identical sharks had been identified. Although the species has been recorded only in 1985, the proof came from a specimen collected in the early twentieth century, by naturalist Wilhelm Hein, in Yemen.

Until 2008, this shark of 1902 was the only of the species Carcharhinus leiodon identified, even though scientists have sought other Middle Eastern waters.

During a meeting of Shark Conservation Society, in 2008, it was revealed a copper shark with "many similarities but different" from Carcharhinus leiodon. The analyses revealed later, proved that the fish was actually a Carcharhinus leiodon, but this possibility had been ruled out because the specimen was purchased in a market of Kuwait, 2,900 kilometres from the site where Huh discovered your, in Yemen.

Thus, scientists went through various markets in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, looking for other examples. After 47 varieties in the markets of Kuwait, they were able to study how these fish grow, how many children they have and what their habitat.

Still, the new shark remains rare, so a conservation plan to increase the population will now boot.

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What is the real aspect of the grains of sand?

Microscopic shells, crystals gnawed and shards of colorful corals. Is this panoply of abstract forms that we can see if we boosted the sand between 100 to 300 times. Responsible for this meticulous work â€" you can see below â€" is the photographer, inventor and scientist Gary Greenberg, who spent his life to "reveal the secret beauty of nature".

The grains of sand used for the experiment came from several beaches from around the world â€" from Okinawa, Japan, to Maui, Hawaii, and Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, United States.

In addition to grains of sand, Greenberg already expanded flowers, body parts or food, for example. You can view all the galleries here.

With the help of grid-quality microscopes, the photographer takes on the creation of "spectacular landscapes, worlds beyond our perception of everyday life-worlds where reality is seen with abstract forms of color, movement and textures".

Here are some sand grains increased.

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Tetra Pak allied himself to the project 80 and alert young people to the responsible management of forests

Tetra Pak will alert thousands of young Portuguese to the responsible management of forests, an action which will be part of the roadshow 80 project. In this initiative, which will traverse 18 schools from North to South, Tetra Pak proposes that young people put on the shoes of a young Forester, Pako, protagonist of the game Mission Tetra Pak. The initiative kicked off today in high school d. Pedro V, in Lisbon.

Throughout the game, the character will face several villains, which represent some of the most common dangers to forests, such as illegal logging, fires or pollution. The Pako and students will have the Mission of keeping threats out of the Woods. At the end of each game, the number of trees saved will dictate the outcome of each user. The three best results will be offered an Ipad mini (first classified), a smartphone (second) and two tickets to a summer festival (third).

The score ranking can be consulted on Tetra Pak ' s page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/protegeoqueebom) where you will be also notified the three winners at the end of the roadshow 80 project. See here the rules of participation.

Along the roadshow, Tetra Pak will also streamline studios for the reuse of packaging material, teaching techniques for creating useful objects from packaging.

"Forest sustainability is a critical concern for Tetra Pak ' s activity, since it is in the forest that the company gets raw materials for their packaging. To support the project 80, we wanted to demonstrate to young people the importance of responsible management of forests, "explains Ingrid Hawk, head of Tetra Pak ' s environment in Portugal.

The project 80 's promoted in partnership by the Portuguese Environment Agency, Directorate General of education, Directorate General of Schools, sport and Portuguese Youth Institute, Quercus and Green Project Awards supported by the Government of Portugal.

The initiative will visit 18 schools in 18 cities, from North to South of the country, over almost four months of road. Through the 275 hours of activities, the Roadshow 80 Project aims to encourage young people to develop projects that promote entrepreneurship, green economy, citizenship and volunteering, thereby contributing to the welfare and sustainable development of the communities.

Learn more at the gate Protects What's good.

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Norway: fire destroyed the historic village of Laerdalsovri

About 52 people were hospitalized as a result of a fire that partially destroyed the historical village of Laerdalsovri, this weekend. The fire started on Saturday night and affected 23 buildings, 16 of which were totally destroyed.

The village of Laerdalsovri is situated in the region of the Western Fjords in the South of the country and is a tourist destination famous for 160 wooden homes in the 18th and 19th century which, until now, were impeccably preserved.

During the fire, which still breaks out, hundreds of residents had to be evacuated due to strong winds which made feel, which boosted the spread of flame.

Among the destroyed buildings are industrial facilities, community centers and holiday homes. Three of the ravaged buildings belonged to the protected area of Laerdalsovri. The village of 1.13 square kilometers, has about 1,150 inhabitants. According to the Daily Mail, the authorities haven't been able to determine the cause of the fire.

Laerdalsovri is an important tourist centre and eco-Norway, getting close to Sognefjorden, the longest and deepest Norwegian Fjord.

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The history of the extinction of the passenger pigeon

If you think there are currently many pigeons â€" also popularly known as air rats â€" try to imagine a flock of these birds with about one mile wide and five miles long.

This would be the existing totality of passenger pigeons, a species of pigeons native to North America and the most common in the United States in the mid-19th century. However, the species is now extinct. The last copy of these animals, Martha, died in September 1914 with 29 years at the Cincinnati Zoo.

But what caused the extinction of this animal? The answer is simple: the animal knew well. On the other hand, it was also easy to capture and kill.

The animal served as food for humans for several centuries, but its massive consumption began in the 18th century. "In 1781, after a failed harvest, a flock of pigeons saved much of the population of New Hampshire of hunger," said Joel Greenberg in his book about the history of the animal â€" "the Feathered River Across the Sky: The Passenger Pigeon's Flight to Extinction"-cites the Dodo.

While the United States remained a rural country and free of expressways, hunting these animals had no major consequences. However, after the Civil War the scenery began to change with the advent of the Telegraph, easily if you knew where they were flocks of these animals and their nests. In this way, the hunters quickly arrived at the site and killing the animals to sell in cities thousands of miles away.

Due to intensive hunting of this animal as a snack, in the early 20th century the species was virtually extinct. "The passenger pigeon Hunted to death, even if you don't understand at the time what we were doing. We could have saved him if our technological genius and our awareness of conservation â€" two aspects that set us apart from other animals â€" had been matched earlier, "Greenberg writes.

Foto:  Seabamirum / Creative Commons

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USA: a House able to withstand tsunamis

Despite being the world's largest economy, the United States still cannot avoid the most extreme atmospheric phenomena. Since Hurricane Catrina the Polar Vortex, the United States are often affected by extreme events that remind us that the results can be devastating.

The most common are hurricanes and tornadoes, which every year reach several cities, mainly destroying dwellings. To avoid that the houses remain destroyed year after year, the workshop of architects Designs Northwest Architects have designed a House that supports the worst natural phenomena: from strong winds, heavy rainfall, storms and even tsunamis.

Situated in an area of full bed on Camano Island in Washington, the two-story house is supported by pillars of 1.5 meters, designed to withstand high-speed wave. The ground floor, called "riding full" is a multipurpose space, whose walls are designed to leave in case of tsunami, thus leaving the top intact housing, refers to Gizmag.

The decor is simple and industrial style, however, the architects gave him a more cozy by entering a few pieces of wood and lots of Windows for natural light. The housing consists of a kitchen, living room, bathroom, master bedroom and a smaller room. Although the House be tsunami-proof, just know if you resist when it is hit by a.

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6 mistakes we made when we go shopping

How many times are you going to shopping a week? And belly full or empty? Are issues such as these that concern Katie Hill, coach of American well-being, alerting you to some mistakes we all make when it comes to read from the grocery store.

"As a coach, I noticed that my clients feel anxious when they have a house full of food. And many basic mistakes when we buy our food, "he explained to the Huffington Post.

The educator has compiled a list of the six mistakes that we all make when we go shopping. And some of them are quite pertinent.

Katie leaves a also a word of advice: sometimes delegate the purchases to someone: "Many times, it's my husband who goes shopping. He is the most patient customer in the world ".

Mistake no. 1: go shopping only once per week

This is a very common mistake in the United States. Many families fill their shopping carts once a week, hoping that these are sufficient for the rest of the week. With this strategy, we tend to buy foods that last longer, i.e. abuse of processed foods.

On the other hand, this also means that, sometimes, we leave expiry of foods, which leaves us upset. If we buy less food but we increase the trips to the supermarket, save money and have more fresh food every day.

Mistake no. 2: go shopping without a plan

There are more and more people with shopping lists, but often the foods that are part of this are not coordinated. Before we left home, we must know what we need for two or three days. I.e. we should buy enough for nine meals.

Katie explains that sometimes comes home-coming of the supermarket â€" and has nothing to eat, just food scattered: some carrots, some canned.

Mistake no. 3: go shopping on a full stomach

It was known that shopping on an empty stomach is disastrous, now we can add a full stomach. According to Katie, many of his clients who go to the supermarket with a full stomach will buy everything but food: toilet paper, detergents, toiletries, but no food. That is, you must return to the supermarket a few hours later.

Mistake # 4: buying too much convenience food "healthy"

There are hundreds of food whose manufacturers consider "gluten-free", "organic", "fat-free" or "natural" and that, in fact, are not. We must opt for real food, preferably that don't come in a package that survives everything â€" including nuclear holocausts.

Mistake # 5: not knowing what days your supermarket renews the stock

This is one of the great advice I ever published in Green Savers. The secret to buying fresh food is knowing what day your supermarket renews the stock. Ask the Manager and he will tell you, certainly. Then, plan purchases that day â€" which does not necessarily have to be at the weekend, although give more way to most consumers.

Mistake # 6: not having patience

It sucks to wait hours for their time on fresh fish or deli? Yes, it's true, but know that the food is fresh. Try to resist buying packaged products â€" sometimes they are several days ago at the same venue.

Foto:  Polycart / Creative Commons

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Black dogs are the last to be adopted in animal shelters

The black dogs are not as often adopted as dogs with other hair colors and usually are the last to be chosen among the animals that are in shelters for adoption. Although there are no official data, the institutions that receive the animals noticed that the black-haired are the last to be adopted.

The main reason for the phenomenon occur relates to some prejudices in relation to dogs with black fur. Often people associate these bad animals dogs and potentially violent. The black dogs are also often portrayed on television and in movies as aggressive animals, which contributes to the stigma.

Prejudices regarding these animals already have name-Black Dog syndrome. The fact that the animals of other colors are deprecated in relation to black dogs causes these animals have much higher eutanização rates in relation to other.

According to popular folklore, the black dogs are associated with death and the superstitions, such as the black cats. Many people consider even if you have a black dog brings bad luck.

However, the owners of these animals contend that are sweet and adorable, but also recognize that they are not well-seen.

Foto:  michimaya / Creative Commons

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TASA project: handicraft which combines the algarvian tradition to local artisans

The TASA project-Current Solutions Ancestors Techniques â€" is an initiative that aims to combine the algarvian traditional knowledge of regional artisans to knowledge of the designers, which synergistically produce typical objects with products of the region.

Thus, this project focuses on the strategic innovation of handmade product, from the perspective of its recovery, re-identification and re-interpretation, contextualizing it with contemporary needs, in order to rehabilitate the cultural and commercial status.

Thus, each produced piece tells a story. Not only the hands that worked as well as ancestors who printed them the collective memory of work what the earth offers and make it their art and their artifacts.

In addition to producing goods for home, the project develops eco-products and eco-urban leisure. Among the main materials used are prefabricated blocks in the region, the wicker and Cork. The products manufactured are several, including the catchphrase, Walker bags to transport bikes boiling pans and amaze birds.

The TASA project is an initiative of the Algarve Regional coordination and development that began in 2010. Currently the project is stimulated by ProActive Tur, a tourism company responsible.

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Python moves the jaw to devour Antelope

The snakes are the world's most fascinating animals, of which cause more fears and phobias and, definitely, the Queens wildlife programmes. Despite its characteristics are already well known, never cease to amaze us with some of the tricks they use when it comes time to hunt.

The last proof of infidelity comes to us of Moremi, in Botstwana, where the photographer Fred von Winckelmann caught a Python eating an antelope whole and without major problems.

"View an African Python swallowing a young Antelope is something that only happens once in a lifetime", explained the Dutch photographer. "The snake was eating calmly your meal, didn't even notice us. This allowed me to download and shoot it at the level of your eyes ".

When von Wincklemann arrived at the scene, the snake was starting to move the jaw to eat the antelope, something he continued to do for about 45 minutes. "So, we let her digest the meal. They are very vulnerable when they do, "he explained.

See some of the pictures.

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Australia: heatwave is a consequence of climate change caused by man

Southern Australia is experiencing a wave of extreme heat, with the thermometers to exceed 40° c. Despite being summer, abnormal temperatures are causing several fires, the electrical supply failures and even lead to withdrawals of tennis in Australia Open, taking place in Melbourne.

Scientists indicate that the wave of extreme heat is a clear example of how climate change caused by human species are having consequences on natural climate variability.

According to Sarah Perkins, New South Wales University, a specialist in Australian climate, the latest heatwaves have occurred in the absence of El Ninõ, climatic phenomenon of atmospheric and ocean nature, which causes abnormal warming of surface water and shallow Equatorial Pacific Ocean. "Usually we hope the higher temperatures occur more frequently during the phase of El Ninõ, however, we're checking consecutive heat waves that are not caused by climate variability", says the expert, quoted by the Financial Times.

This week, temperatures exceeded 40° C several times and this is the second wave of extreme heat in 15 days. Recently, the Institute of meteorology Australian confirmed that 2013 was the hottest year since annual temperature monitors in the country. Average temperatures were 1.2° C above average long-term, surpassing the record of 2005, when the thermometers were 0.5° C above average.

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The Portuguese revolutionary innovation that joins the wind and solar energy (with video)

For years, Portugal was seen as an example for renewable energy. This investment has spread not only by companies but also universities and even citizens, being today well rooted in society.

To ride this boom came the Omniflow Omni-directional turbine, a motionless, low visual impact, which captures the wind and the Sun in all directions, allowing you to produce energy through wind or sunlight-or both, simultaneously.

This innovative infrastructure was developed by Pedro Rouen, materials engineer who launched the namesake company just over three months. "We were well received by the market. People were able to understand the message and what is the product, "explained Peter Rouen, who is now CEO of Omniflow.

The entrepreneur explains that has several customers that already have grid connection and who are thinking of expanding into wind production. "Many of these clients have electric cars," continues Peter Rouen.

The company also already has several foreign customers reside in Portugal, which demonstrates that the infrastructure has the potential of globalization.

One of the great advantages of Omniflow is its characteristic facing installation in urban areas. The company is working with the Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto in product testing. "We have an infrastructure that allows us to measure, with excellent quality, the performance of the equipment. Above all, it enables us to measure the performance of the equipment in an environment very close to the ideal, because the lab simulates a low voltage electricity network, "said Louis dryness, Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto.

The system does not depend on the direction of the wind, this being the great asset of the equipment and the characteristic that is attracting foreign investors. In 2013, Pedro Rouen pretended to have a turnover of around € 25 million ($ 80,000), but the value was folded. In 2014, the aim is to reach € 1 million ($ 3.2 million).

France, Brazil and Angola are the three markets where Omniflow has sold equipments â€" there are three different sizes, between € 1,400 ($ 4,500) and €14 thousand ($ 45,000). See the episode 85 of green economy.

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Norway: cold wave last weekend froze School of fish

The waves of cold have multiplied all over the northern hemisphere in recent weeks. The last country to be reached was that Norway, last weekend, faced lower temperatures than normal.

Temperatures dropped enough to freeze a shoal of herrings on Lovund coast. According to Aryl Slotte, specialist in pelagic fish of the Marina Norway Research Institute, the animals will have been forwarded to shallow waters by cormorants, a predator of these animals. Prevented from swimming to deep water, with less likelihood of freeze, the fish ended up trapped and froze near the coast.

Seawater freezes at temperatures of -1.9° C, a temperature slightly lower than fresh water. According to the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, the public broadcaster, in temperatures -7.8° C reached Lovund last weekend and were accompanied by strong winds, the Huffington Post.

In January 2012, about 20 tonnes of herring washed up on a beach in Northern Norway. Scientists found no apparent cause for the death of the fish, but the possibilities include oxygen deprivation, illness or storms, causes that can easily cause the death of fish on the high seas, which are later dragged ashore by currents.

Remember that recently, also in Norway, a frog woke up too early due to the mild climate, having died when the ice came back.

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Portuguese project creates a map of the biodiversity of the Serra da Estrela (with video)

Green Savers was the first information sites to make known the GeObserver, a portal that gathers data from weather, fauna, flora, demographics, hydrography, elevation and Serra da Estrela buildings of the last 30 years.

After 18 months, the green economy was visiting Paulo Barbosa and realize, in fact, how does the project. "The platform collects data from public and private weather stations, in real time. We also have people on the ground to collect data, which are checked by technical experts in each area. Ordinary people can also go to the site and record anything you can see or photograph of biodiversity ", explains Paulo Barbosa.

With the help of the photographs sent in by citizens, the GeObserver makes the confirmation of information and, from that moment on, starts building the biodiversity map of Serra da Estrela.

The main objective of GeObserver is to use these data for environmental protection, by which the platform received the help of a very special partner, the Association Friends of the Serra da Estrela.

"Very few people know who owns the Park in terms of biodiversity, whether of fauna and flora. There is a generic survey, but [the management] of everyday life has not been made. And you can only save what is known, "said the green economy Jose Maria Saraiva, Mountain Association.

In the short and medium term, the GeObserver will have to get new support to the network of information is not lost. One of the main achievements of this cross-was the creation of an index of risk of fire, which helps Civil protection and other local authorities to prevent to the heights of the hottest year. Thus, the public interest is visible.

The success of the platform will be able to take it in the short term, for other stops. According to Paulo Barbosa, have already made some contacts with Portuguese-speaking countries, who are interested in GeObsever to manage, more efficiently, its gigantic natural parks.

Like Green Savers had already in advance, one of these parks is the Gorongosa. See the episode 184 of the green economy.

Foto:  ines saraiva / Creative Commons

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Older trees grow at a rate greater

Trees increase the pace of growth as they grow older, according to a new study published yesterday in the journal Nature.

"The trees continue to grow so intense during its life cycle," said Nate Stephenson, study leader and forest ecologist of the US Geological Survey, in Three Rivers, California.

The research studied 403 species of trees from around the world and concluded that these never suffer from problems of old age. In animals, the change and ageing of cells will ultimately determine his death. But the trees do not have identical problems, only diseases, insects, the man, fire or accidents â€" like lightning â€" the can kill.

"They never stop growing. Each year that passes, always weigh more than in the previous year ", explained Stephenson.

Until now, it was believed that the trees stop growing older as they were made. A 2010 study was the first to go against this theory, when concluded that the giant California trees continue to grow into the sky each year that passed â€" and at a pace always greater.

Was this example it took Stephenson trying to learn more about the growth of trees â€" and if this was connected to his old age.

The study evaluated more than 670 thousand tropical and temperate climates trees â€" about 90% of these grow increasingly larger rhythms. The oldest trees can grow to 600 pounds per year.

Foto:  tkerpe / Creative Commons

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Dried fruits help reduce risk of obesity

Formerly, the nuts were considered too fat to be healthy. Currently, the dried fruits are fashionable and their benefits begin to be widely advertised and studies that come to prove the benefits of the consumption of these foods are multiplying.

A new study, conducted by American investigators concluded that the nuts can help control weight and to reduce the risk of obesity. According to researchers, study participants who ingested quantities of regular dry swipes â€" such as almonds, pistachios, walnuts and Brazil nuts-were between 37% and 46% less risk of becoming obese than those who drank less few amounts of dried fruit.

Frequent consumers of dry fruits are also less likely to have metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors that are linked to heart disease and diabetes. "There is another study which indicates that there is an association between the ingestion of dried fruit and a low risk of obesity, as well as a less prone to suffering from metabolic syndrome", indicates Joan Sabaté, researcher of Loma Linda University in California, CITES Reuters.

Another study shows that people who ingested nuts regularly are less likely to die in the 12:0 am following the intake of these foods than people who do not consume nuts often.

While this conclusion may not fully indicate that the differences observed between those who like dried fruits and those who pass well without them are caused by these foods, researchers indicate that there is reason to believe that the dried fruit provides direct benefits to health.

Most nuts are high in unsaturated fat, which is a "good" fat when compared with the saturated fat found in animal products. The high protein content makes people who ingest feel more satiated, leading to a lower consumption of food less healthy. Furthermore, dried fruit contain other nutrients and plant chemicals that are beneficial to health, indicates Joan Sabaté.

For the study in question was analyzed the diet of 803 participants. In General, those who ingested significant amounts of dried fruit â€" about 16 grams per day â€" were weighing a little more than average. Those who took little or no nuts had a very above average weight and, in some cases, showed signs of obesity.

The body mass index (BMI)-relationship between weight and height â€" a healthy adult should vary between 18.5 and 24.9. People with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 are overweight and a BMI which exceeds the 30 is considered obese.

The volunteers in the study who consumed nuts regularly had an average BMI of 27 while those who ate little or no food of this type had a BMI between 29 and 30.

Foto:  IainBuchanan / Creative Commons

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French student profits €14,6 million with the sale of fresh air in tins

Antoinie Deblay is a young man with an eye for business. With only 22 years, this French student created his own company and already has profits of thousands of euros. But what sells the Antoine Deblay? The answer is simple: the most abundant on the face of the planet â€" air.

However, this is not any air. This is fresh air of Montcuq â€" the location where natural-, which comes stored in tins that are sold at € 6.6 each (R$19,3). And absurd as it may seem the idea, Deblay already profited €14,6 thousand (R$46,9 thousand).

The business started out as a joke, when this student put a financing proposal on a French page of crowdfunding. Donations earned him €723, which allowed him to create an online page and pack the product.

When promoted the idea, she was featured in the French press. Within six months, the young collected the €14,6 thousand by selling cans of fresh air. The success of your product is apparently connected to the name of the locality of Deblay. In French, "Montcuq" pronounced the same way as "mon cul" ("my ass"). "We're the butt of many jokes," says the student of communication.

Although the main market of sale be France, this young entrepreneur already had orders of the United States, Canada and other countries of Europe.

The cans canned air you can read: "the fresh air of Montcuq is 100% organic, involving him in the depths of the city to refresh their ideas. Ideal for when you need creative inspiration. Attention: irreplaceable content, consumable only once. Don't leave it open ".

Antoine Deblay indicates that your company takes into account the environment and "respects the air". As such, so as not to leave no air, only 10 Montcuq liters of fresh air are collected weekly.

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England: Government launches €7,2 million Fund for planting 4 million trees

Over the next two years should be planted four million trees across England, according to the Government's confirmation of that country to continue to fund the creation of new forests.

The trees will be planted through a Government Fund of €7,2 million ($ 23.2 million), which will create 2,000 hectares of new forests and woodlands. The Fund is part of a total investment of €36,2 million (US $ 117 million) for the creation of new forests and management and preservation of existing ones.

However, plans to plant 2,000 hectares of new forests fall short the objectives of the Government itself, which wanted to plant about five thousand new acres, according to the Woodland Trust.

According to the Minister of forests, Dan Rogerson, quoted by the Guardian, the forests are "a cherished natural resource" and "provide a valuable habitat for wildlife and natural areas for future generations to enjoy".

"Planting 4 million trees over the next year will help us to increase the forest area, which will benefit the wild life, improve the environment and help the economy to grow. The new forests constitute economic, social and environmental benefits, allowing the forest industry to create new jobs and increase their contribution to the nation's economic recovery, "said the Minister.

Foto:  alexindigo / Creative Commons

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Portugal hit record for renewable energy in 2013

Portugal has reached a record level last year, with regard to the production of electricity from renewable energy sources. About 58.3% of the total electricity consumed in 2013 was produced from renewable sources, which represents an increase of 20% compared to 2012.

If it is only considered domestic production, the renewables contribution increases to 61.7%. In the Face of this increased production of renewable energy in the past year it was possible to reduce the share of imported electricity at about 2.8 times, according to Quercus, which translates into a decrease of 10% of the total electricity consumed.

The difference between the values in the last two years is explained by the weather conditions. According to Quercus, 2012 was a very dry year, 58% below average. In contrast, 2013 was a wet year, 17% above the average. Thus, the production of renewable energy from water resources, using the dams more than doubled in the last year.

Also the percentage of energy produced from wind farms increased by 2013, almost 20%. With regard to photovoltaics, the increase of the installed capacity in the country allowed an increase of 25% compared with the same period of the previous year. However, the electricity generated from solar energy still accounts for 1% of the total electricity consumed, "which shows a huge potential for growth," said Quercus in a press release in conjunction with the Portuguese renewable energy Association (Apren).

"2013 was a year in which demonstrated the advantage of Portugal have bet on its natural resources to produce electricity because, besides having prevented imports of fossil fuels and emissions of greenhouse gases, the fact that 60% of the electricity consumed from renewable origin be allowed to stabilize the price of this well, which is also important to help Portugal out of the crisis"says the Chairman of the Board of Learning, António Sá da Costa.

Bet on renewable save €846 million allowed

According to the two associations to produce electricity of renewable origin enabled save almost 850 million (R $ 2,731 .4 billion) in 2013: €806 million on imports of fossil fuels (natural gas and coal) and € 40 million in allowances for carbon dioxide. In total, the savings amounted to €846 million.

"The emissions associated with electricity production + totaled 13 million tonnes of CO2 in 2013, about 20% of the total emissions of greenhouse gases present in Portugal", indicate the Quercus and Learning. However, between 2012 and 2013 there has been a reduction in CO2 emissions of around 2.3 million tonnes, the statement. This value, a million tons due to reduced use of coal power plants.

To the Group's coordinator of energy and climate change of Quercus is necessary to "continue to invest in renewable energies and in energy efficiency allowing the recovery of the economy without burdening the environment." "For this we need an investment in awareness and proper planning of the energy sector also towards a desirable climate policy demanding".

Foto:   Glances of mine / Creative Commons

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