Why haven't we found extraterrestrial life?

Many scientists and researchers, including the most skeptics believe that the presence of life beyond planet Earth is obvious, and that definitive proof you can reach within a generation. One of the arguments is the fact that many of today's astronomical truths be unknown only a generation.

The success of the Kepler telescope, NASA, led us to know that the universe is full of seasoned worlds. Only in the last two decades, thousands of planets were discovered around other stars, and new ones are appearing at a rate of one per day.

More impressive, explains the IFL Science, is the fact that there are planets as far as the eye can see. Most stars have planets, which implies the existence of trillions of these small bodies in the milky way.

Kepler also suggests that one in five stars can support a species of planet the size of Earth and with similar temperatures. These are also considered habitable â€" i.e. the milky way may be home to dozens of billions of our "cousins".

With so many facts to take us to the same path, why we haven't found extraterrestrial life?

Firstly, all our efforts for recognition of Mars, for example, seek to find places where we can find life â€" and not finding life itself. Mars is the favorite hypothesis to find life, but there are experts who would prefer the moons of Saturn and Jupiter. Here, however, the funding is low, so progress is not too large.

A second chance to look for evidence of life is to realize what the atmosphere of planets around other stars. This is done through a technique of astronomy called spectroscopy â€" an approach that would allow researchers to understand the composition of an atmosphere to several light years away. And although an experiment to find oxygen or methane elsewhere is hard to describe, it is possible â€" scientists could build this strategy a dozen years but once again, there is no money to do it.

A third approach would be to look beyond the microbes by intelligent life, spying through siansi radio and laser lights. More antennas and receivers could accelerate this search, but, once again, funding is a limiting factor.

For 2015, the budget proposal for the American agency NASA is €1,8 billion (R $ of 5.6 billion) to planetary science, Astrophysics and continuation of work on the James Webb telescope. The budget for the SETI (search for extraterrestrial life), which assumes this third approach to finding life on another planet, is even smaller.

IE: we don't know exactly if there's life in space, even though all roads follow this direction. But investments to arrive at this certainty are laughable-and so it becomes complicated to solve this puzzle. Why not discover extraterrestrial life? For financial reasons, in the latter case, and policies, in the first instance.

Foto: Kevin Dooley / Creative Commons

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Linden with 250 years cut to make room for Aldi supermarket

A Linden tree with 250 years and 30 meters high was cut to make room for a supermarket Aldi, in West Yorkshire, United Kingdom, after a battle of a month to try to save the tree. According to The Guardian, the Ecology Building Society tried at all costs to avoid cutting the gigantic tree healthy, which was habitat for birds, insects and mammals, but ultimately unable to prevent the slaughter.

"It was completely unnecessary to cut this tree," explained the Manager of ethics of British society, Anna Laycock, with The Guardian. The tree was located on land owned by Aldi â€" and where will arise a new store â€" but a few feet from another land, owned by Ecology.

A month ago, the Ecology began with a campaign to try to change the plans of Aldi. On Facebook and Twitter, hundreds of people asked for that the store was changed from place or, Alternatively, the design was changed, but the supermarket chain did not alter their plans. The city of Bradford also did not see any problem in this slaughter, having given approval for cutting the tree.

View video of felling the tree.

According to the Ecology, the tree took five minutes to be cut, after 250 years of history. "It was horrible to see that tree fall. We are very sad for the tree and for our community, "continued Laycock.

The social responsibility of the Aldi supermarket chain claims that it is "committed to reducing the environmental impact of the business," including "reducing the carbon footprint" and "try to find the leadership standards for green buildings".

According to Giles Hurley, director general of corporate purchases of Aldi, the company "understood the concerns of the community in relation to the removal of lime", but had "to propose the tree felling". "The plans will include a significant replanting trees in this place". We will see if the community understands the action of Aldi â€" and if the reward with the visit to your store.

Here are some pictures of the before and after of Linden.

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Wildleaks: the new platform of complaints against illegal hunting

The environmental and biodiversity-related projects already have a global platform of denunciation, the Wildleaks â€" a kind of Wikileaks for wildlife. The project was developed by a group of conservationists and pick the anonymous complaints to try to stop the crimes.

According to one of its founders, Andrea Crust, of 25 years, the links of poachers to the police and business elite turn out to protect them. Thus, the project focuses on the ivory dealer and not on who kills elephants and rhinoceroses.

There are reports of tigers hunting in Northern Sumatra, especially monkeys smuggling chimpanzees â€" in Central Africa, illegal logging activities in Mexico, Russia and Malawi and illegal fishing off the coast of Alaska.

According to Crust, and once checked the veracity of the information, the Wildleaks have three options: start an investigation with their own resources and partners; share the complaint with other groups or with law enforcement agencies.

Still according to the Crust told Deutsche Welle, the great challenge of the project is to become known. With 25 years of experience in conservation projects and 15 years of risk management training, Andrea Costra is the right man to do the project grow.

Foto: William Warby / Cretive Commons

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Detergent packaging made from plastic collected at sea (with video)

One of the most exciting global sustainability projects of recent times is Portuguese and is being developed by Logoplaste, plastic packaging manufacturer headquartered in Cascais.

Called Ecover, this is a detergent packaging made from plastic collected seas and beaches. "We intend to enhance these residues, because this means that they are collected and integrated into the recycling circuit," explained to the green economy Paulo Correia, director of Logoplaste.

The project was developed in partnership with Waste Free Ocean and collects plastic waste off the Belgian coast and British. Initially, only 10% of the new plastic packaging will be taken from the sea, but the Logoplaste hopes to increase this percentage.

"The Waste Free Ocean created a circuit of collection, developed by fishermen. These residues have been integrated in the recycling and integrated into the production circuit, "continued the charge of Logoplaste.

In addition to the inclusion of plastic collected at sea on the packaging, the shape of the bottle itself was thought to promote sustainability. "Were applied the principles of structural design of the radiolaria and, deep down, was applied the principle of structural design of diatoms," explained to the green economy Carlos Rego, Logoplaste designer.

Were these microorganisms that influenced the design of the packaging, a process known as biomimicry. These two principles of structural design allowed a reduction in the weight of the packing in 20% â€" while the standard weight of this packaging is around 30 or 32 grams, Logoplaste packing has only 25 grams.

This was the first project of Logoplaste with these specific features, although the plastic recycling is not exactly a novelty in company: between 30 to 40% of the products developed by Portuguese giant have the recycled plastic as the base. "Talking about recycling is normal today, but for 15 years, when we started working on this concept, it wasn't. All projects that come out of a very large component have Logoplaste of recycling ", explained Paulo Correia.

See the episode 289 of the green economy, one of the most amazing I've ever published here.

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Endless City: the skyscrapers that is a self-contained community in height

The SURE Architecture developed an ambitious and complex project to host residential areas, offices, shops, entertainment and leisure in one building. Appropriately named "Endless City", the project was designed for the reality in londrina, United Kingdom.

The building consists of a series of ramps that connect different sections of the structure to create a vertical city and was designed to reduce environmental impact and increase sustainability through some technological concepts.

When built, the project may be a complete ecosystem and, in theory, allow any person to make your personal life, professional and leisure without leaving this structure.

According to the SURE, the building will save a lot of space in a dense city like London â€" hence the British capital was the first to be designed for this concept.

With more than 300 feet tall, the Endless City will have an area of 165 square meters and its shape maximizes the passive energy and reduces the need for artificial lighting, cooling and heating. "The aim of the design is to design a building that is inviting and a powerful symbol in all directions," said Alina Valcarce, Director of SURE.

The design of the project belies its beauty, but it is unlikely that it will be implemented in the coming years. Or decades.

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Scotland: wave energy project will bring electricity to 175 thousand homes

The biggest wave energy project in the world just got more a portion of investment â€" €62 million (R$188 million) â€" which will lead to first clean energy through the waves the House of 42 thousand Scottish citizens. The MeyGEn consists of a set of 269 submerged turbines that, when completed, will bring electricity to about 175 thousand homes.

The first phase of the project will work with 61 turbines â€" that electrificarão such 42 thousand homes â€" and will start at the end of this year. The electricity will reach the public network in 2016. "Today we are witnessing the transformation of a sector. The MeyGen is one of the most exciting renewable energy developments and innovative in the world and the energy of the waves is a serious player in the global energy market, "explained the director of MeyGen and CEO of Atlantis, the company behind the project, Tim Cornelius.

When fully completed, the MeyGen will have 398 MW in underwater turbines, which will be linked to an infrastructure built out of water.

According to Inhabitat, the MeyGen is the first project of large-scale wave energy to get financing, which is being seen as an opportunity for the sector to expand and become desirable for the players of the energy area.

According to experts in energy, the energy of the waves has the potential to provide 20% of all energy in the United Kingdom. Too striking to be ignored.

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NGOS ensures micro-casa for homeless in just six hours

The tiny houses are no longer appreciated â€" just â€" in Japan, and are now chosen by those who want to live sustainably and with fewer possessions. The United States, as expected, are already at the forefront of this trend, and it is precisely in this country that an NGO (nongovernmental organization) claims credit for building a micro-casa in just six hours.

The goal of Mobile Loaves & Fishes, of Austin, Texas, was able to provide housing for the homeless sites but, says Mashable, the end result exceeded their own expectations.

To reach this concept, Mobile Loaves Fishes 10 years passed & collect funds and plan the development of structures. Today, the first homeless began arriving to the community.

"We will draw 240 people from the streets of Austin and make them living in our community. A tent in the Woods is not going to solve the greatest desire of these people, who live in the community, "explained the Development Director KeyeTV ONG, Donna Emery.

According to Emery, the organization is not just to put a roof over the head of the people, but to build a real community residence. The site has a Community Center, Garden, open-air theatre and a medical centre. Each resident will pay an income, although this is significantly below market value.

Some residents may pay up to €68 ($ 205) per month to live in one of these houses, and the project will be accompanied by an employment initiative for the homeless (ex-sem-abrigo, actually) can afford your home.

According to Mashable, initiatives that get the homeless off the street can save millions to taxpayers â€" according to NGOS, this community will save €7,5 million (US $ 22.7 million) to the taxpayers of Austin, just on healthcare. More important than that: it will lead to many of these evacuees back smiling and feeling me valid members of the community. Now today I have the pleasure of entering for the first time in a long time, in his home.

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Government will take the Palm trees official residence of the Prime Minister

The Government decided to send down the Palm trees of the São Bento Palace, official residence of the Prime Minister, by considering that the beetle pest treatment-of-Palm trees isn't working and is costly, according to the observer.

According to the website, the palms of the official residence of the Prime Minister were attacked by the beetle-das palmeiras, who came to Portugal in 2007 and has already destroyed a large part of the Canary Island Palm trees â€" about 500, including 13 of the garden of the Palace of São Bento.

When the leaves start to wither and fall may already be too late â€" when you begin to notice the first signs of death leaves the infestation may already be at an advanced stage. On the other hand, can co-exist in the same Palm tree over a thousand individuals. In these cases the only solution is the slaughter and destruction of plant debris.

To prevent infestation or to treat cases where the plants are little affected can be performed pruning and phytosanitary treatments tended (with chemical or biological agents). "In April 2013, was made a survey of the species attacked and carried out a preventive treatment/dressing in 12 Palm trees during three months (installation of pipes along the trunk to injection of plant health care products and nutrients)," said the Press Office of St. Benedict to the observer.

However, the treatment did not provide the expected results. "The result of this action would be elaborated a work plan, as this type of treatment is very expensive. The result was not satisfactory and it was therefore decided to proceed with the slaughter and incineration of cutting, initially of seven Palm trees and later six more Palm trees, "he added.

Foto: Thomas Leth-Olsen / Creative Commons

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Portugal has 10 thousand urban fires per year

There are, on average, 10 000 urban fires per year in Portugal, and seven thousand of these occur in residential buildings, according to the Portuguese Association of security (APSEI).

According to the Association, due to these fires close to 60 people lose their lives each year. "Despite the widespread increase of security conditions, still faced with major challenges in protecting against fire. The implementation of the measures provided for in the legal system of fire safety in buildings in force in the existing buildings in historic centres have been very difficult and, in many cases, impossible to achieve, "he explained in a statement Mary John Conde, Secretary-General of the APSEI.

According to the Association, the Chiado fire-August 25, 1988 â€" had a significant impact in the field of fire safety in buildings in Portugal, leading to, in 1989 and 1990, was published decree-laws governing fire safety in residential buildings.

The APSEI says that the culture of prevention and fire safety in buildings has grown in Portugal and that all those who act in this area are gradually better prepared to meet the challenges of urban fires.

"The responsibility to prevent the occurrence of fires and prevent their destructive effect depends on more security professionals â€" is on all of us. We know that a society more aware of fire hazards in buildings and better prepared to act in case of emergency will cause cases as the Chiado fire become continuously, an event of the past, "concludes Maria João Count.

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New species of snail lives only in a quarry owned by Lafarge cement

A new species of snail was discovered in a limestone quarry operated by cement giant Lafarge, in Malaysia, it is estimated that this is the only place where it exists. The species is tiny, rare and its survival depends solely on the Lafarge â€" probably for this reason, the name that was given to him takes account of the French giant-charopa lafargei.

This was the first time that a species "collects" the name of a company â€" and there's no reason for less. Without the help of Lafarge, the species has the days counted.

The new snail-new to us, it is clear â€" was discovered in Gunung Kanthan in northwestern Peninsular Malaysia. He suffers from a problem common to all species whose geographical area is reduced: a very high risk of extinction. To make matters worse there is this coincidence: the quarry where the charopa lafargei lives is owned by Lafarge â€" is a habitat where sometimes corporate profit weighs more than biodiversity.

This site, incidentally, is fertile for the development of new species. In a few months were discovered three new plants, a spider, a snail and a gecko. All are at risk of extinction and all depend on the quarry for his future.

In recent times, and as parts of the Virgin until now globe are overrun, new species are discovered at a very high speed. All of them are at risk of extinction, since their habitat is reduced.

The future of charopa lafargei is still uncertain, but the journalist Tony Juniper, the Guardian, has some suggestions: "First, [Lafarge] hires a team of biologists from top to make a thorough investigation of biodiversity on the ground. Later, this team will conduct a series of recommendations to the Administration, against the backdrop of the protection of species restricted to the area of the mine. All this must be public and shared by colleagues. And until everything is completed the mine cannot be expanded, "said Juniper.

The big question is: what will he do now Lafarge? Biodiversity ignores or delays the development of one of its crown jewels? Follow all about this story on the Green Savers.

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Decapitated snake 20 minutes bites and kills Chinese cook

When the Cook Chinese Peng Fan decapitated a serpent to prepare one of their specialties, snake soup cut, never thought the spell would turn against the magician and the snake still had a Word to say.

The "story" unbelievable snapped in the Chinese province of Guongdong and was told today by The New Zealand Herald: twenty minutes after the chef Peng Fan beheading the serpent â€" a naja siamensis â€", the head and bit the Cook jumped, hitting him fatally.

The phenomenon is strange but cannot be considered rare. "There's nothing special about this case," explained Treehugger herpetologist Wolfgang Wuster at the, University of life sciences in Bangor. "This may seem strange to us humans because, like other mammals, have a high metabolic rate and we need a constant supply of blood and oxygen to the brain. If it is stopped for mere seconds, we die, "he explained.

In the case of snakes and other reptiles, the scenario is different. "Snakes and reptiles have a much slower metabolic rate, including in the brain, and can stay alive and functional long after the blood supply being cut".

According to Wuster, the snakes can remain active for up to an hour after their head or other part of the body being cut. This period of time is related to the temperatures and the part of the body from which the head was hacked off.

"If the poisonous glands, nerves and muscles used pair bite and raise the poison has not been damaged, then the head of the snake can bite, as a reflex, and probably many other senses of the serpent also [remain assets]," concluded Lee Fitzgerald, A&M University herpetologist, in Texas.

Foto: Rob Bixby / Creative Commons

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Temporary tattoo transforms sweat into energy

If there are already little doubt that physical exercise is excellent for health, now he can contribute directly to sustainability. This is because a group of researchers at the University of California, San Diego, United States, created a technology that enables smartphone users to carry these devices through sweat.

To achieve this feat unlikely, the researchers created a temporary tattoo able to transform the sweat into energy. According to a presentation made in American Society of Chemistry (ACS), the device detects the lactate, natural component of sweat and the more intense the exercise, the greater the amount of lactate produced by the body. Thus, during an intense physical activity the body needs to generate more energy through glycolysis, a process that produces lactate.

To take advantage of this situation, the team at the University of California created a biobateria, a type of adhesive capable of measuring the amount of lactate in the sweat. In addition to detecting the organic compound, an enzyme that removes electrons from lactate and generates an electrical current.

In the tests, the researchers measured the amount of lactate in the sweat and the electric current produced while the volunteers exercised on exercise bikes with various intensities during 30 minutes.

According to the sustainable planet, the results were astounding. The volunteers who exercised less than once a week have produced more power than that made of one to three times a week. Who worked out more than three times a week, on the other hand, has produced the least amount of energy.

This happens because the more sedentary get tired faster, which causes glucose happen earlier in the body. Each volunteer has generated about 70 microwatts per square centimeter of skin, but the electrodes of biobateria generated about four microwatts â€" the value is not high, but if the technology is improved-and will be-, the shipment of smartphones, clocks and other devices will be a reality.

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Humans recycle at least 13,000 years

Recycling can seem like an invention of recent decades, but a recent discovery indicates that this process has existed for at least 13,000 years. A discovery in Molí del Salt, in Tarragona, in Spain, indicates that prehistoric humans reciclavam their possessions since the Upper Paleolithic.

The discovery, published in the Journal of Archaelogical Science, scientists have identified tools that were altered after they have been designed for a specific purpose, which indicates that these tools were recycled for another purpose after having served to perform initial function.

"To identify recycling is necessary to differentiate two sequential levels of handling a subject: the moment before it is changed and the time thereafter. The two are separated by an interval in which the object is subject to change, "explains Manuel Vaquero, researcher of the Universitat Rovira i Virgili, cites the Inhabitat. "This is the first time a systematic study of this type has been made", adds the researcher.

Research indicates that although the specialized tools, such as the implements of hunting, have never been made from recycled materials, other objects of daily life were created for one purpose only and when this purpose was fulfilled were converted to suppress other needs.

This recycling capacity of humans in Paleolithic have been developed due to the need to preserve the existing resources and allow savings of time and energy, using tools that were already made. Researchers will further indicate that prehistoric humans "may have even moved large objects from the source location".

Scientists reveal that the identification of recycled objects was made possible through the examination of artifacts burned which show when an item was modified after its original function.

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Blossom Gate: the portico modeled on Chinese calligraphy

The design collective Penda created the Blossom Gate, an entrance portico with dramatic architecture to a flower garden in the Chinese city of Xiangyang. Inspired by the traditional Chinese calligraphy, the conceptual portico is formed by overlapping layers of dry bamboo and bent in the form of strokes.

Winner of a design competition in 2013, the Blossom Gate defies the traditional notion of portico as a Physics Division and reinvents the concept as something and link social junction.  Like many other works of the atelier, this portico celebrates the use of bamboo as a building material, using the internal frame and on the facade, referred to Inhabitat.

The Blossom Gate is located at the entrance of the greater Myrtle flower garden of the city of Xiangyang. Underneath the portico there are benches and stairs, creating a new social space. Seen as a major architectural landmark of the city, the architects have proposed a variety of recreational activities that Blossom Gate can accommodate markets such as weekend, film sessions and outdoor concert.

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Around the clock, the courier company in grande Porto bike

A little over a year ago, the portuense Renato Guedes decided to Exchange spreadsheets by bicycle pedals and created around the clock, a courier company that refers to two wheels to deliver orders through the streets of Porto.

Currently, the Clock has a team of four runners who perform daily deliveries, under any temperature or weather conditions, ensuring a fast service, sustainable, effective and low cost prices.

Before progressing to the creation of around the clock, Renato Guedes contacted and studied other companies similar to the Brazil, Holland, Denmark, England, Spain, Australia and United States. "This company appears to be an attempt to combine the best of both worlds. From an early age tried to figure out how to work this business and it looked as if developed in other countries, "indicates Renato Guedes,

The mentor of the Clock goes on to explain that the "ecological factor was one of the most important to move forward with the project, trying to bring people together so quickly, economically and environmentally". "In our country we are faced with a growing ecological awareness and we noticed that more and more companies are looking for green alternatives to which you want to associate with," he adds.

The pits of the bikes goes a little bit of everything. Since documents dossiers, product samples, medical exams and medicines and even food. Customers of Against private individuals, ranging from Clock that require last-minute deliveries, to companies that require deliveries on a daily basis. Orders are distributed by the municipalities of Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Matosinhos, Maia and Gondomar.

In August, the love of cycling

"Love will bike" is the campaign that the Clock has released during the summer, the aim of which is to bring people together with simple gestures and memorable.

"We want to promote the happiness of the inhabitants of the major port through an unusual action. Everyone likes to be surprised, especially when it's for the best reasons. It's always nice to receive something you're not telling, "says Rento Guedes.

So, if you want to send a special gift to the better half just contact the around the clock, they want rain or shine, will ensure the delivery of your order.

The initiative runs until the end of the summer in five municipalities of Porto and offers a discount of 20% on delivery of items.

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20 paths and tracks taken from fairy tales

The highways and byways permeate our literature, art, cinema, music and language expressions. Even the photographers can't take my eyes-in this case the lenses â€" of them.

That's why â€" and also to showcase some of the most magnificent specimens of trees â€" that we have assembled a series of photographs of the most beautiful and magical paths and trails might in the world.

Rails between United States us or Ireland rhododendrons or among bamboos in Japan are some of the most beautiful roads built by the human being among nature.

See some of these beautiful trails and paths.

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As Alfred Heineken invented the upcycling in 1963

The term upcycling was coined in 2002 by the authors William McDonough and Michael Braungart, Cradle to Cradle in the book â€" despite having already been used at least by two other authors, in the years 90. However, forty years earlier, in 1963, as the Dutch Brewer Alfred Heineken, grandson of the founder of the namesake beer, had developed a futuristic project that basically created this need to transform useless or disposable waste in new materials.

The product in question, as it should be, was a bottle of beer â€" the Heineken WOBO. Designed by Alfred in collaboration with the Dutch architect John Habraken, this bottle was also known as "brick with beer".

The idea of Heineken had as a backdrop for a visit to the Caribbean, where he immediately realized two problems: a huge amount of garbage on the beach and lack of construction materials. The result of this double vision was the Heineken WOBO, a bottle that unia to another bottle, forming a glass brick.

The final design of the WOBO was produced in two sizes-350 and 500 mm â€" but both versions aimed at a horizontal placement, uniting the two bottles (as you can see in the photos).

According to Inhabitat, the first production placed on the market 100 thousand bottles, many of them used subsequently to construct a hut of Heineken in Noordwijk, Netherlands. "One of the greatest challenges was realizing how you construct the corners," explained so Heineken.

In spite of the initial success of the project, the truth is that Heineken was eventually cancel â€" or rather, suspend-the project. In 1975, due to the sudden interest of Martin Pawley, author of Garbage Housing, project leader, Heineken teamed up with designer Rinus van der Berg to designing a building with columns made from oil drums, bits of Volkswagen buses as ceiling and bottles WOBO as walls. However, the structure never left the paper.

Today, the cabin of Heineken and a wall made of WOBO on Heineken Museum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, are two of the only structures made of beer bottles Heineken WOBO. Four decades ago, the idea was futuristic and yet has been fulfilled. The most incomprehensible of all this history, however, is to realize that, forty years later, no one picked up on the concept.

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How to value a property in €2,8 million?

An 18th-century mansion, purchased in ruins for 30 years by €1,25, is on the market again, this time by €2,8 million. The House, which is listed as a place of public interest English, was about to be torn down twice, by real estate interests, until it came into the hands of Save Britain Heritage, who purchased and renewed.

With eight rooms, five meeting rooms and bathrooms and a plot of 1.8 acres, the historic building has been used by the Bank of England during World War II and is again for sale, after an intense recovery work.

According to British media, the work of restoration of Barlaston Hall-so called property â€" is one of the most impressive success stories of English Heritage. Built in 1756 by Thomas Mills, the House was passing from generation to generation until it was acquired by the company Wedgwoo Pottery, in 1937.

During World War II, the House was used by the Bank of England and, later, as Academy for Wedgwoo Pottery. Over the years, however, the wood started to rot and security conditions were reduced dramatically â€" so, the building was abandoned and was at the mercy of vandals.

Twice the Wedgwoo Pottery tried to demolish the building, but its historical classification never allowed. In 1981, the House has been bought by Save Britain's Heritage, restored and subsequently sold to the current owners, James and Carol Hall in 1992. By €375 thousand.

So, the House was again restored, as well as other neighboring buildings. Now, you're in the market for €2,8 million. Not bad for a property that was about to be demolished.

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Switzerland rejects factory village to protect couple of bearded vultures-

I would sacrifice a couple of bearded vultures-to reduce the electric bill? This was the dilemma of 138 inhabitants of paradise village of La Punt, Switzerland in Chamuesch, which were called by the local Government to make a decision is not always easy: biodiversity or the wallet.

According to the Dodo, the town urgently needs to renew its energy infrastructure, and a new power plant on the table. However, the site chosen for the new building hit a bump with the habitat of a couple of vultures-bearded, in a remote Valley.

Actually, these are not vultures-bearded normal. The inhabitants of La Punt Chamuesch believe they are the most prolific of all bearded vultures-the Swiss Alps, a romantic couple that could forever be without your love getaway.

The construction of the factory, according to some environmentalists, would put at risk the very lives of the couple of vultures, so the decision was decided through a referendum.

According to the Dodo, the inhabitants of La Punt Chamuesch were the votes and the decision has not been easy â€" however, the plant was rejected by 64 votes against 74. In La Punt Chamuesch will continue to pay a high price for electricity consumed, but the couple of bearded vultures-at the top of thank your innocence, the jury's decision.

Foto: Noel Reynolds / Arjan Haverkamp /A.Davey / jayhem /  Creative Commons

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Nicaragua's army will protect nesting turtles

Nicaragua's Government sent the army to the beaches in the country so that the nests of tortoises, which by this time start coming ashore to lay their eggs, are protected from hunters.

According to the local press, more than 2,500 olive turtles â€" otherwise known as small turtles â€" reached already the beaches of Chacocente Wildlife Refuge to lay their eggs. This is one of the few places in the Western Pacific where the species breeds every year.

The theft of turtle eggs for sale later in the coastal towns of Nicaragua has been a threat to the species, which is already threatened. However, in recent years the number of turtles that hatch has increased, much in part due to the efforts of conservation and protection of the eggs, but also the education of local communities, referred to the Dodo.

Still, the Government of Nicaragua decided to send this year the army to patrol the beaches and make sure the eggs are not stolen or destroyed.

Foto: nicholaspix / Creative Commons

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A Hong Kong vertical vision

Hong Kong is not exactly known as a town of low-rise buildings, but this set of photos prepared by Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze captures the true scale of the colossal city.

Ironically, the French photographer chose a little-known corner of the metropolis â€" the floor â€" to reveal the extraordinary looks and often ignored by Hong Kong residents.

The pictures are placed in the perspective of who looks up and can even cause nausea, but it's for a good cause: understand how contractors and real estate managers have the green light to reach the limits of infinity, at the expense, sometimes, the well-being of its tenants and owners.

"In Hong Kong has always existed a lot of leeway to contractors build what they want. There are no limits, "explained Jacquet-Lagrèze to CNN.

"I am used to big cities. Tokyo is very dense and giant, but less impressive in terms of height â€" is much more widespread. Hong Kong is more violent in that aspect, "he continued.

To continue to thrive, the megacity needs include sustainability strategies in its urban planning. This is the only way the city pollution levels will decrease and she will enter the lists of the most endangered sites in the world. Fortunately, some steps have already been taken to join the sustainability to environmental education.

See some of the photos of Jaquet-Lagrèze.

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The marketing agency dedicated to beekeeping

The advertising and marketing agency Wolff Olins, founded in 1965 by Michael Wolff and Wally Olins, is one of the most known, award-winning and renowned creators of brands in the world â€" many of them in Portugal.

With offices in various parts of the planet, is in the main office in Central London, that the Agency has its most amazing creative creation â€" passed the redundancy: an Apiary. Yes, you read well, the Agency is dedicated to the creation of bees.

For many, this may be a hobby very tense, but the truth is that the Wolff Olins entered this world in May 2011 and, so far, don't have given bad. "People are always talking about bees, seeking new information. Many of them are concerned with nature and feel happy to see that these bees are in a safe environment, in the city centre, "he explained to The Drum the company's building manager, Stuart Robertson.

The bees feed from hanging baskets, trees and shrubs, and the kick-off of the project until it was given by one of the world's leading experts on the subject, the author Brian McCallum â€" who wrote the book "bees in the city". "It was a little annoying in the early days, have 20 or 30 thousand insects in our side, we knew, we could poke," explained Robertson.

However, the course given by McCallum and normalcy in the situation, as the days went by, eventually calming things down: "the bees are not snakes, they're not going to do anything. The only thing that worries them is making honey, "joked.

From a professional point of view, the bees also give a hand. According to Robertson, many employees of Wolff Olins took the opportunity to learn a new skill, while agency executives invite customers to visit their unusual pets.  And in Portugal, how many companies promote environmental sustainability and biodiversity in the workplace?

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Silvia Ferreira: "the invasion of palm oil"

"Palm oil is a COOKING OIL TYPE that derives from the palm-oil-Africa, originating from the West coast of Africa (Gulf of Guinea). At present, palm oil is produced in Africa, Asia, North America and South America, with 85% of its production and export the world have origin of Indonesia and Malaysia. Most of this production is not under the safeguarding of any policies of sustainability or forest protection.

Palm oil broke in literally the whole market, being present in numerous consumer products: cleaning products (detergents), toiletries and cosmetics (SOAP, toothpaste, shampoos, lotions), desserts and snacks (cookies, ice creams, snacks), among many others, being often disguised under the single name of vegetable oil or vegetable shortening (not specified). On the labels of some products may also identify him under the names of "palm oil", "sodium palmate" or "sodium palm kernelate."

The planting of Palm trees is linked to serious environmental problems, such as deforestation, habitat destruction, climate change, animal cruelty and abuse of the rights of indigenous peoples. According to the WWF (World Wildlife Fund), an area of forest equivalent to 300 soccer fields destroyed every hour to create farmland for the production of palm oil. Large-scale deforestation is pushing many species to extinction and studies indicate that, if nothing changes, species like the orangutan can be extinct wildlife over the next five to ten years, and Sumatran tigers could be extinct in less than three years.

In total, 50 million tons of palm oil are produced in Indonesia and Malaysia annually, supplying over 30% of all global consumption. This vegetable oil is approximately in 40% to 50% of all household products consumed in Europe, Canada and Australia United States.

To counter this destructive tendency, is a consumer focused and responsible and check the labels of the products they consume in their everyday life. at present are already on the market many products that appeal to an ethical consumption and do not contain this ingredient. Look for alternatives. You can also choose to do some home-made products such as cookies and crackers, handmade soaps or detergents. As vegetable oil food consumption, give preference, for example, to the traditional olive oil. "

Silvia Ferreira is reader of the Green Savers and, to my mind, this text was based on several information collected on the website Say No to Palm. Want to publish your article in our aggregator? Send us your text to info@greensavers.pt or cmartinho@gci.pt. We're looking for inspiration or rant.

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Architects Iranians invent building with rotating divisions

Tehran would be one of the last capitals where architectural innovation, we expected to see that that breaks barriers uncharted, but the truth is that the building Sharifi-Ha, in the Iranian capital, is very close to getting this done.

With five floors, the building has rotating rooms, creating new spaces and adapting to the seasons. According to the Studio of Iranian architecture Nextoffice, who developed the project, this mobile feature of the divisions is achieved with just a touch of a button â€" there are three rotating rooms: the breakfast room, the guest room and Office. The three corners can run looking for new spaces, views or light.

In fact, these divisions are nothing more than wooden boxes, views from the outside, with a rotating base. During the harsh winters of Tehran, they can close the building, keeping the House warm. In summer, however, they open to ventilate the House.

The House has two cellars, to the gym and other leisure facilities. On the ground floor is a garage, while the first and second floors is the space dedicated to conviviality: the main room. The two top floors House guest rooms, bathroom, Hall and a kitchen.

"The House adapts to functional needs of its occupants. The guest room can be reconfigured for different purposes ", explained a spokeswoman for Nextoffice. "With this innovation, it is possible to have different light scenarios and seasons".

The House is inspired, in fact, in traditional Iranian homes that have summer and winter rooms, depending on temperature differences of the time. Thus, these rotating divisions may be important to keep the House warm in winter and cool in summer, and not solely for marketing purposes and visibility.

The Sharifi-Ha was nominated for the World Architecture Festival, in 2014.

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Climate change: Taro village moved to the neighboring island

Little by little, thousands of people leave their home Islands for sheltered places of mean sea level rise. Last week, New Zealand announced to accept the refugee claim of a family of Tuvalu, a group of nine atolls that is being sunk by climate change.

Today, the Reuters news agency that a small town of Taro Island, Solomon Islands, plans to relocate its entire population to a nearby island. Taro Island is only two meters above sea level, and the Intergovernmental Panel on climate change predicts that the sea climb 90 centimetres by the end of the century, that site â€" a conservative estimate.

Thus, after consulting engineers, scientists and urban planners, the island decided to build a city from scratch, on a neighboring Island, changing its population-between 500 to 1,000 people â€" at various stages. The land cost €2,2 million and can accommodate about 5,000 inhabitants, as soon as it's complete.

Some of the essential infrastructure, such as hospitals and a high school, will be built over the next five years-all other basic constructions such as roads or Government buildings, will also have priority. Still, the only change will be complete within several decades.

"Is a city created out of nowhere," said Reuters Philip Haines, project manager of BMT WBM consultant, hired for this purpose. "We must be competent and build something that lasts for generations. The relocation is the only option available to ensure the safety of the community and allows for future growth and prosperity. "

In April, the cyclone caused several Ita filled in the Solomon Islands, killing 23 people and injuring 50, 000. "We've just seen how vulnerable is Taro to natural disasters", explained the Choiseul province politician responsible, Jackson Kiloe. In the neighboring Island, the scenario will be slightly better, but the specter of climate change, even though further away, will continue to hover over the head of the population.

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The South Korean's 20 years photographing the aurora borealis

One of the greatest desires of travelers is seeing something that stay forever in your memory. For the astrophotographer Chul Know, and given his profession, this desire has a whole other meaning, and he was firmly seated on the photographs that the South Korean picked up in Yellowknife in Northern Canada.

The site, known as one of the best in the world to see the "northern lights", did not disappoint Chul, who for 20 years travels the world to capture the magnificent phenomenon.

"The last time, when [my fellow tourists] began to dance, I realized that something extraordinary was about to happen. I put my machine in continuous mode and photographed. Was right. ", explained Chui to the press.

"The auroras were so bright that were easily visible. The tourists, many of them just stood by to view the Aurora, responded with joy, "he continued. The aurora borealis-or aurora australis, as known in the southern hemisphere â€" is a natural light show seen above all in regions of the Arctic and Antarctica, as in Norway or Northern Canada.

See some of the photos captured by the South Korean photographer, looking for magnificent phenomenon, already passed through Norway, Finland, Alaska (United States), Iceland, Scotland and Russia.

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American City appoints first Executive Director for resilience

The city of Oakland, in the United States, appointed his first CRO (Chief Resilience Office), what if you can translate, in Portuguese, as Executive Director of resilience. The position now occupied by Victoria Salinas, a Chilean-American resident in the city, aims to create a map for resilience or urban resistance.

"The strategy will be linked to subjects such as earthquakes and climate change, ageing of infrastructure or economic crisis. The city will receive technical support and other advice through participation of the Rockefeller Foundation, "explained the city said in a statement.

In fact, the philanthropic foundation created by billionaire American family will invest approximately €74,5 million in 100 Cities Resilient Challenge, which Oakland is part. In all, will be 32 cities intervention stock, from all points of the globe.

According to the city of Oakland, Salinas will have between six to nine months to create an urban and social emergency plan. The responsible risk management specialist, has worked in Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly in post-conflict civil war or natural disasters.

In Oakland, Salinas will have four fundamental objectives: develop an action plan for seismic phenomena, especially at the level of 24 thousand families living in dwellings that are not prepared for the violence of the phenomenon; sea level rise, extreme warming and rainfall accentuated; social vulnerability of many inhabitants of the city; and advanced age of many of the public infrastructure and dwellings.

In recent years, much of the innovation of cities has emerged of sustainability strategies and risk management. This appointment of Oakland, a city with 400 000 inhabitants, is proof that the future of cities is on social, economic and environmental coordination of all phenomena that surround it. And that must be managed in an integrated and integral.

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The tag that is taking the organic cotton to our homes (with video)

In 2004, when environmental concerns still weren't part of the radar of most large companies, the C&A acquired the first pieces of organic stock, at the time still mixed with conventional cotton. In less than a year, however, the company started the whole process of development of certified organic cotton and not mixed with the traditional cotton.

Today, organic cotton is 38% of the total sales of C&A cotton products, a percentage very interesting considering the very high number of annual sales of the brand. In 2013, these sales accounted for € 110 million already, according to Dominic Edwards, sales manager of the Iberian C&A.

Like many other multinational companies in the area, also the C&A sustainability objectives until 2020. "Our aim is that in 2020, 100% of our cotton is organic", explained the responsible.

The aim is ambitious and will not be easy to fulfill. In addition to the demand for organic cotton in the world, be growing, production is still low. "The organic cotton represents only 1% of the total market and cotton are in decline," advances Sunday Edwards.

To combat this shortage, the C&A launched an independent company that promotes the cultivation of organic cotton in the main production areas. Second Sundays Edwards, about 75% of the world's organic cotton has behind the projects C&A. only in India, are 60 thousand organic cotton farmers to cooperate with the Dutch multinational based in Belgium and Germany.

See the episode 280 of green economy and notice how the C&A is taking the lead to sustainable cotton industry.

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Unexpected diversity of plankton

At first glance, the plankton might not seem like anything more than small marine organisms which serve as food to the fish and whales. However, a marine scientist has been dedicated to counteract this tendency and to publicize the great diversity of these organisms.

Richard Kirby has dedicated the entire career studying and photographing the plankton, which exists in abundance in the ocean. In his book, "Ocean Drifters: the Secret World Beneath the Waves," the researcher puts the plankton under a microscope, showing the rest of the world its variety of shapes and colors.

Among the organisms are algae, bacteria, wandering animals and microorganisms that live in the sea or in fresh water. Microscopic algae and small animals that eat them float freely by sea, where support to the marine food chain.

The book includes high-resolution magnifications of plankton and explains how these organisms are being affected by global warming, which could have far-reaching implications for planetary ecology if the amount of available plankton in the oceans decrease, referred to the Daily Mail.

"Without the plankton, there would be no fish in the sea", indicating Richard Kirby, who is a professor at the University of Plymouth. The increasingly warm global temperatures are causing the warming of ocean waters and consequently altering the habitat of plankton and create changes in their abundance, distribution and seasonality ", indicates the expert.

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The art of rescuing elephants orphaned children in Kenya

The world day of the Elephant was this week and to mark the date the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a Kenyan organization that is dedicated to the rescue of orphaned elephants, disclosed several photographs which show the backstage of the Organization and the efforts made by attendants and volunteers to give a new life to the Cubs.

About 35,000 African elephants are slaughtered every year divided the prey of ivory. As such, there are many small elephants that are orphans and who require care to survive.

Elephant populations suffer not only losses due to illegal hunting, but also due to habitat destruction and human conflicts. Thus, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust travels all over Kenya to rescue little orphans.

The pictures, released by the organisation, and published by the Guardian, offer a unique vision of the efforts and difficulties that volunteers and attendants face to reach the animals and carry us to the crèches of elephants in their centers.

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The most spectacular lighthouses of the world

The headlights are an almost universal symbol of safety and orientation, which have helped the sailors to find the way home over the centuries. Although they are gradually losing their usefulness, the headlights remain monuments with an extreme marine weather resistance capacity.

In olden times, sailors were guided by bonfires built on hills, which later evolved into headlights. Over time, the headlights were becoming taller, stronger and closer to the sea.

Most of the lighthouses still standing today are living examples of the wonders of architecture and engineering practice and resilient, enduring the worst the sea has to offer. Although their guiding lights may soon stop sweeping the night sky, it is still possible to enjoy the beautiful and epic of these buildings.

We show you here some of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world. The majority is located on the coast of the United States, the United Kingdom and Ireland. But also, we show him the harbor lighthouse and Nazareth.

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Creates an elephant herd cows confused with family

They say that elephants don't forget, but this little creates seems to have forgotten that animal was adopted and a herd of cattle as a family. The small elephant and his family will have mixed with a cattle belonging to mada Samburo tribe, Northern Kenya, and when panic set in, the offspring, with only a few hours of life, have been confused and left with the herd of cows, thinking they were his family.

The Samburu took care of the elephant, who could barely walk, until one of the villagers trekked the mountains below during 12:0 am to find help. But the villager was successful and managed to help the small elephant.

The area where the baby elephant was living with the Samburu was so remote that had to be sent a helicopter to make the rescue and transport the small creates for the nursery of elephants of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, expert caring for orphaned elephants.

The attendants called "Ndotto" the little elephant, the same name of the location where it was rescued. "With just over 50 pounds, the attendants could carry him the arms before sleeping in blankets and give you a special dose of milk", told the Daily Mail, the director of the Centre, Rob Brandford.

"Unfortunately, while in the care of the Samburu tribe, the little elephant was fed cow's milk-that is potentially dangerous for the elephants that do not tolerate this type of milk", said the director. "We will do everything in our power to remedy the effects and to be beside him in the coming weeks, months and years," he adds.

According to the director of the Organization, a rescue like that of Ndotto is quite expensive and given his condition will need full-time care. To help the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Ndotto, simply access the site, where you can make a donation.

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Russia: Moscow zoo animals are already feeling the effects of the embargo imposed by the Kremlin

Earlier this month, Russia responded to the sanctions imposed by the European Union and the United States and lifted an embargo on food imported from these two powers, but also from Norway, Canada and Australia.

The ban will last until August 2015 and, during this period, companies of these 32 countries will no longer sell the Russian market products such as meat, fish, seafood, vegetables, fruit, dairy products, among others.

Despite being imposed only 15 days, are already feeling the effects of the embargo. The animals in the zoo of Moscow are some of those who already feel the effects of trade sanctions, having their food rationed.

The handlers are looking for ways to replace the meat, fish, fruit and vegetables imported, but fear that the task to be difficult. The brown bears in the zoo, for example, have a special predilection for Polish apples, which are now banned from the food menu.

The only products that have not undergone embargo were the food for babies, and such exception left the animal keepers from zoos Russians little happy, as their animals had no such concerns regalia, the Daily Mail.

"Almost all products that animals consume in the Moscow zoo are imported," says zoo spokeswoman, Anna Kachurovskaya. "The main imported foods are fruits and vegetables. Many animals eat the apples bought in Poland, which are of good quality and cheap ".

According to the spokesman, the imported products that animals need are cheaper than domestic products and some food stuffs are rare or do not exist even in Russia.

"We cannot fail to feed the animals because of the sanctions. We are looking for new ways to buy the products. The problem, however, is not easy resolution because some of the animals are not ready to change the type of food to which they are accustomed. Some have geographic food preferences, "says Anna Kachurovskaya. An example of these animals are the penguins, that only eat fish that is fished in South America.

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Azores: Corvo island village will be an eco-Museum

The Government of the autonomous region of the Azores will transform, from September, the Vila do Corvo a Ecomuseum, aiming to recover the historical centre of the smaller island of the archipelago, as well as to promote it as a tourism destination and promote their identity.

The historic centre of Vila do Corvo-where resides the entire population of the island, about 400 people â€" 1997 was ranked as a "set of public interest". Such classification allows access to a co-financing programme for the rehabilitation of the buildings of the village in 50% to 75%, the Fund lost.

For the Regional Department of education and science of the region, the establishment of the Ecomuseum of the Raven constitutes ' the necessary impetus for the reversal of the current situation of physical degradation of the old urban core, "cites the Lusa.

The development of the rehabilitation project involves the installation of a permanent technical support Office, which will be responsible for the rehabilitation projects of real estate, at no cost to owners, as well as the inventory of heritage and the creation of a network of points of cultural interest.

Photo: Luciano Shins/Creative Commons

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Panda triplets born in Chinese zoo

A Chinese Zoo unveiled Tuesday the birth of three new panda Cubs. The three new specimens of the species are triplets and it appears the first triplets of panda to survive the birth.

The pandas were born at the Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou, in Guangdong Province, on July 29 and are sons of panda Juxiao. Originally, Juxiao was too tired to take care of small children and animals were a few days in an incubator, referred to the BBC. However, the mother is now taking care of the Cubs with the help of handlers.

The three giant pandas were born following artificial insemination procedures and his birth is seen almost as a miracle, given the low rate of reproduction of the species. However, his birth is still feted with caution since the survival rate of these animals is very low. If you survive the next few months, will be the only panda living triplets in the world.

The world population of pandas is threatened due to habitat loss. It is estimated that there are just 1,600 pandas living in the wild in China.

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New York: cleanest waters are attracting more whales and sharks

The number of humpback whales and great white shark in the coastal waters of New York and the State of New Jersey during this summer's increase to the delight of environmentalists, naturalists, anglers and even bathers.

The amount of large sea creatures that has appeared off the coast of Big Apple wasn't seen for several decades and the main cause for the emergence of this abnormal number of whales and sharks on the shore of a city like New York are the cleanest waters.

According to Paul Sieswerda, director of the Gotham Whale, a group of volunteers that monitors marine life, cleaner waters have attracted more fish and consequently more whales and sharks. Sieswerda says even if it is possible to view whales feeding with the skyline of New York as a backdrop.

The Gotham Whale accounted 29 whales, humpback, all New York waters since the beginning of spring until the end of July. Joining the number of whales seen before this period and those that probably if spotted, the number will be higher than the 43 views in 2013, to 25 from 2012 and at five of 2011, says the Guardian.

Gradual cleanup of the Hudson River, which empties into New York Harbor, now brings to sea nutrients that stimulate the growth of plankton, feeding the fish and consequently the whales and sharks. "The river used to not bring anything besides pollution, but in the last five years water was getting cleaner and more nutrients are transported to sea," Sieswerda, stressing that still indicates also the measures of protection and conservation in other regions near New York have contributed to the increase in the number of dolphins, whales and sharks.

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Great Lisbon will have two more centres of animal feed needy families

After opening in January, the first Ration distribution center the Animals of Needy Families in Lisbon, will be born more two centers of its kind in Sintra and Oeiras. The opening of two new spaces to support animals of families with financial problems is planned for September.

All centres are the result of a partnership between the respective city councils and the Association for the defence of animals Animalife. The aim is to avoid that families abandon their pets because they have no way to feed them.

The new space in Sintra will work in the offices of the former premises of the Sintra Municipal Kennel. Since the space of Oeiras will work in support of the cattery installed on Municipal garden of Oeiras.

In addition to the ration distribution centers, the fight against the scourge demand Animalife of animal abandonment through the collaboration of volunteers from all parts of the country.

Foto:   Basic Needs Foundation  / Creative Commons

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Australia: new species of giant poisonous jellyfish discovery

A new species of giant and extremely venomous jellyfish was discovered on the northwest coast of Australia. The discovery left scientists puzzled as the new species of jellyfish have tentacles.

The Keesingia gigas is one of the two new species of Irukandji jellyfish recently discovered by the Director of Marine Stinger Advisory Services, Lisa-ann Gershwin. While the Irukandji have typically only mesudas the size of a fingernail, the gigas Keesingia is the size of a human arm and it is believed that can cause Irukandji syndrome, which is potentially deadly. This syndrome can cause pain, nausea, vomiting and in the most extreme cases strokes and heart failure, reports the Guardian.

According to Gershwin, the species had been photographed in the years 1980, but no specimen was captured until 2013. The specimen was collected by the marine scientist John Keesing, near the Bay of sharks.

One of the particularities of this Jellyfish is not having tentacles. "The jellyfish have tentacles. It is through them that they take the food. The tentacles are where concentrate their poisonous cells, "explains Lisa-ann Gershwin. The scientist indicates that this new species can hide their tentacles as a form of Defense, as some bioluminescent jellyfish, that extend their tentacles fluorescent to distract predators. However, there is no evidence that any jellyfish Irukandji has this capability.

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Mexican island becomes artistic screen that alerts for Ocean protection

An island off the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, became a big screen project of urban art that seeks to make the population to the importance of preserving the oceans and marine life.

The PangeaSeed, a non-profit organization dedicated to public awareness for conservation and preservation of marine species through art and activism, gathered several renowned urban artists and took them to Isla Mujeres, where all of the walls and spaces available were covered with murals representing the marine life.

The project, called "Sea Walls: Murals for Oceans", focuses on environmental issues that are affecting the oceans as overfishing, the trade in shark fins, coastal development, and pollution, plastic referred to Dodo.

The project was funded through a fundraiser is made through the platform Indiegogo, and allowed artists to swim with whale sharks and mantas off the Mexican Coast, to better understand the importance of what they portray.

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Levels of mercury in the Ocean have tripled since the Industrial Revolution

In the years 1950, a neurological epidemic killed thousands of inhabitants of the coastal city of Minamata in Japan, and caused brain injuries to newborns. Only later did the inhabitants learned that the fish had eaten was contaminated with toxic mercury, resulting from a discharge from a chemical plant in the area.

A new study indicates that the levels of mercury in the oceans have been increasing and researchers estimate that the quantity of the substance in oceanic waters has tripled since the Industrial Revolution, which endangers the marine species as well as human health.

Various industrial processes, such as small-scale gold mining and coal combustion emit mercury into the atmosphere. In gold mining, the miners use liquid mercury to absorb the gold from the ore. Subsequently, make the mercury evaporate and the gold stays. Already the coal combustion releases mercury exists naturally in the mineral, referred to News from Science.

When the atmosphere, mercury can travel during months and thousands of kilometers in suspension until it rains and is deposited in the oceans. Already present in the ocean, bacteria help to convert metal into methylmercury, which enters the food chain and accumulates in fish.

The contaminated fish consumption is the main source of human exposure to mercury. However, monitor metal levels in the oceans has been a challenge for researchers, because mercury is present in lower concentrations in the waters and a lot of time and resources is required to collect samples.

The calculations made for the study show that the oceans contain between 60,000 to 80,000 tonnes of mercury from pollution, with almost two-thirds present in waters with depth less than 1,000 metres.

The concentrations of mercury in waters shallower tripled when compared with concentrations of pre-industrial times. Average depth waters, metal concentrations have increased about 1.5 times. The large concentrations of mercury in waters shallower can increase the accumulation of toxins in fish, exposing humans to mercury poisoning.

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