Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Dogs are as intelligent as a baby of five months

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A new study reveals that dogs possess abilities similar to those of a baby of five months. As a baby's brain develops, children learn to notice the behavior of people. So far, this cognitive function was assigned exclusively to humans and non-human primates. However, this new study come reveal that dogs, like children can recognize behaviors objectives.

This means that dogs know where to look and how to respond to people when circumstances indicate that something important could happen â€" something that children also learn.

During the study, researchers at the University of Milan used a test intended for babies from 5 months in dogs and found that the animals could do so well the test as children. Throughout the study, 50 dogs were placed in a room where she was a researcher and your response to stimuli was recorded. During the study, domestic dogs viewed a human interacting with two objects, a globe and a watering can.

Initially, the dogs observed the interaction between the person and the globe. Subsequently, the position of the globe and the sprinklers were exchanged and when the Exchange, researchers found that the dogs observed the person and the globe in the new location and not the watering can that was in place previously observed, referring to the Daily Mail. However, when people left the globe and interacted with the watering can, the attention of the dog was in the watering can.

Just like children, dogs spent more time watching the human to which they were accustomed to seeing during the experiment than the place they were watching first. When an inanimate object rather than a person, was used with the other two objects, the dogs ' response was similar to that experience that involved people.

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Artists transform magazines and old newspapers into sculptures of insects

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The Agency Soon, Belgian design atelier, made magazines and old newspapers into realistic sculptures of insects. The bugs were created for the launch of a line of recycled paper for IGEPA Benelux.

Page by page, the magazines and newspapers were cut and folded into delicate forms of insects, flowers and plants, which together form a three-dimensional garden lush. The wings of each insect reveal its former use, through text and images printed on paper.

The pretty insects were an alternative way of the workshop alerts to the infinite possibilities of recycling of paper, referred to Inhabitat.

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Discovered new species of dinosaur with giant nose

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A new species of dinosaur with a giant nose was discovered by researchers from an American University. The identification was made from a fossil that was in storage for two decades and has never received the attention deserved, so far.

The animal would have more than nine meters long and a giant nose, earning him the new scientific name â€" Rhinorex condrupus. The remains of the animal have been found in Brigham Young University in Utah, by researchers from North Carolina State University and Brigham Young Museum of Paleontology. According to scientists, the fossil was first discovered in 1990, in the rock formation of Nelsen.

The fossil is about 75 million years and indicates that the animal was a herbivore and lived in the late Cretaceous, referred to the Daily Mail. According to the team of researchers, it took more than two years to rebuild the skeleton of the animal and only during the process it was possible to notice that he was facing a new species. The origin and use of the nose remains a mystery for scientists.

This is the first complete fossil of a species of dinosaur group of hadrosaurs-the duck-billed dinosaurs â€" who inhabited that region of rock.

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Monday, September 29, 2014

USA: Seattle's fining residents who produce organic waste too much

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The municipal authorities of Seattle, in the United States, passed a law that will make it possible to fine those inhabitants who henceforth more than 10% of organic waste in their dustbins. The aim is to encourage recycling and composting, so the city can reach the goal of recycling 60% of the total waste in 2015.

To that standard is met, the cantoneiros will assess the amount of organic waste present in the box of each resident. If the amount exceeds the value, the offence shall be recorded in an online system and the resident notified. On the invoice following sanitation and water, the resident shall pay €0,77 by organic waste more. In case the amount of organic waste persist, the resident may spend to pay fines up to €39, writes the Treehugger.

The new normal will start at the beginning of 2014, but the warnings will start to be issued only in July, when residents started to be fined. The standard will also apply to buildings and businesses, although in these cases will be left two warnings before the ticket is issued.

To avoid fines, the City encourages residents to practice with backyard composting and that this is not possible to reduce food waste.

In San Francisco, there is also a similar standard, introduced in 2009, where after a few warnings, residents are fined up to €78.

Foto: cliff1976 / Creative Commons

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An electric sports car powered by salt water

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The sports cars do not have the best reputation when it comes to sustainability. However, the Quant and-Sportlimousine is an exception. It was designed to reach the 350 km/h using mias nothing but saltwater.

But if you think this car has a performance inferior to other high-end sports cars for being eco-friendly, think again. the innovative driving system allows the vehicle, which weighs 2,300 kg, hitting 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, which makes it so fast as a McLaren P1. Not to mention its 920 horses.

The model, which was developed by NanoFlowcell, a company based in Liechtenstein, was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year and managed to have certification for power through the European roads in testing period.

And how does this salt water powered car? Works similarly to a cell, but the liquid hydrogen to store energy is the saltwater. The car is equipped with two water reservoirs â€" each with a capacity of 200 litres. Between the two tanks there is a membrane through which the water and go through this membrane is generated an electrical current. This electricity is stored and distributed by supercapacitadores to power the four electric motors fitted on the vehicle, referred to in Inhabitat.

The two tanks of 200 litres each allow a range of 600 km, the price of the vehicle has not yet been established, but it is estimated that it can cost more than €1,25 million.

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Sunday, September 28, 2014

The world's population is expected to reach 11 billion in 2100

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A new study from the University of Washington, in the United States, and the United Nations (UN) quantified for the first time with great precision the evolution of the world's population throughout the 21ST century. Conclusions? In 2100 we will be 11 billion, rather than the previous statistics indicated.

Previous studies suggested that the world's population should start declining from the second half of the century, but the new study comes to counter this hypothesis and affirming that there is 70% probability of the number of people inhabiting the planet rise from the current seven billion to 11 billion at the end of the century. Such a hypothesis represents serious challenges at the level of food resources, water, medical care and social cohesion.

"Previous projections indicated that the issue would fade and attention were diverted from the population issue," says Adrian Raftery, University of Washington researcher, cites the Guardian. "There's a strong argument for the population back to the top of the international agenda. The population is the catalyst of all the rest and a rapid population growth can exacerbate all kinds of challenges, "indicates. The lack of health care, increased crime rates, poverty and pollution are just some of the current problems that will be exponenciados.

The region where the population is expected to grow more in sub-Saharan Africa, where the population can grow to 5 billion in 2100. The drop in fertility rates, which began in 1980, in many of these countries should continue, but the latest data indicate otherwise. In countries like Nigeria, the most populous on the African continent, the decline in fertility rates has already been reversed, with the average women to have six children. The population of Nigeria is expected to increase from the current 200 million to 900 million in 2100.

Another factor is included for the first time in the study were data on HIV and AIDS, which indicate that the epidemic is killing as many people as previously thought, especially in African countries. "For 20 years the impact on population was absolutely gigantic. Now, the accessibility of antiretrovirals is much higher and the epidemic seems to have passed its peak, "says Adrian Raftery.

Foto: India Photography / Creative Commons

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The best photos of wildlife photography contest of the Smithsonian

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O Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History inaugurou recentemente uma exposição fotográfica intitulada “Wilderness Forever: 50 Years of Protecting America’s Wild Places”.

The exhibition displays several images carefully selected by a jury, that capture the beauty of the natural spaces and wildlife of the United States. The exhibition is part of the celebrations of the Wilderness Act, a law passed in 1964 and that has protected wildlife million acres of American soil.

The photos to display were selected from over 5,000 submissions. Many of the winning photos depict the fabulous mountains and tundra of Alaska, the mountainous forests of the Pacific coast and the rock formations of the American Southeast. The exhibition will feature in the Natural History Museum of the Smithsonian until the summer of 2015.

Here are some of the winning photos.

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Butterfly-shaped square absorbs solar energy through green roofs

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The atelier of design Architecture Weatherhead recently unveiled the draft of Butterfly Square, a butterfly-shaped square which absorbs solar energy through green roofs. The square was designed for the Swedish County of Halland.

Crossed by a pedestrian zone, the square is composed of six buildings, arranged in the form of butterfly wings open. The buildings are coated with a wide of simple materials produced from wood and glass.

Heavily landscaped with green roofs and zones of cultivation, the Butterfly Square was designed in the manner of look like an extension of the Green Park that exists in that area. To create a more pedestrian space and suitable for children, the architects have created an underground car park. Beyond the scope of leisure and commerce, there is a covered Amphitheater for a green roof for cultural activities, referred to in Inhabitat.

The abundant green roofs will serve as habitat to birds and insects and one of the main objectives is the planting of a rare plant location to attract giant butterflies, which are threatened. Green roofs are also equipped with solar panels to mimic the way the butterflies get solar energy from the wings. The start of construction of the Plaza is scheduled for 2016.

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Saturday, September 27, 2014

7 of the most beautiful natural pools in the world – and two are in Portugal

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There is much that the luxury hotels strive to create artificial pools endless, imitating nature â€" there are no resorts of Maldives, Bora Bora or Tahiti you don't have. But nothing compares to endless pools, as these seven that you bring in this article.

Compiled by Conde Nast Traveler, this list includes Turkey's natural wonders, Zambia or even Portugal â€" the Old Boiler and Poça da Ferraria, São Miguel, Azores.

See the list of pools and, below, the photographs.

1. Travertine Terraces, Pamukkale, Turkey

Considered a world heritage site, this site contains hot springs that reach to 100ºc. Most of these pools are protected and prohibited to the public yet, there are some that can be used.

2. Devil's pool, Victoria Falls, Zambia

The Devil's pool just a misstep and can habilitarmo us to a drop of 110 meters. The swimming pool is glued to the waterfalls â€" however a stone wall beneath the surface protects swimmers from a possible tragedy.

3.Kuang Si Waterfall, Luang Prabang, Laos

The Kuang Si waterfalls are among the most impressive wonders of a country already, benefited by nature, Laos.

4. Pool of Ferraria, São Miguel, Portugal

There are numerous natural pools in the Azores, but this is one of the most well known and spectacular. You know her?

5.Top Ponds, Hot Springs, Villa Grove, Colorado

After an easy hike, visitors come to this natural pool, one of three lakes with connections between them and summer temperatures averaging 40° c. Are all surrounded by a natural beauty incomporável.

6. Beach of Coogee, Sydney, Australia

Sydney is one of the cities with the most natural pools along the coast, but the McIvors and Wylie Bths, in Coogee Beach are the most beautiful.

7. Caldeira Velha, Sao Miguel, Azores

These geothermal springs are hidden in the Woods but, nonetheless, are part of the many wonders that the Azores are known to all its visitors.

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Photo: Old Boiler, Azores. David Stanley/Creative Commons

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New Caledonia: a heart-shaped solar

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For decades, the Islands suffered with the energy dependence of the continent, a highly unsustainable, inefficient and expensive. However, renewable energies came not only to give them a new impetus on energy independence â€" and the island of El Hierro, Canary Islands, is the best proof of this new reality â€" how to contribute to a new ecological reality.

The archipelago of New Caledonia is the latest renditioned to renewable, and he's so happy with this option that will build a solar plant in the shape of a heart. The plant will supply power to 750 homes from New Caledonia, helping to reduce carbon emissions and giving a romantic perspective renewables.

The plan was developed by a local drink, the Froico, and is being built by Conergy. The plant will begin producing energy in 2015 and when its life cycle comes to an end, in 2040, will have saved about 2 million tons of carbon emissions.

The central design was inspired by a local forest that will have grown in the shape of a heart, known as Coeur de Voh. "This forest is an important heritage for the people of New Caledonia and shows how extraordinary nature can be" explained managing director of Conergy to The Guardian.

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Friday, September 26, 2014

Reusable cups firm launches limited edition Portuguese Cork

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The KeepCup, Australian company of reusable cups, has just released a limited edition portguesa Cork. Named KeepCup Brew Cork, glass uses the Cork which, according to Abigail Forsyth, CEO and co-founder of the company, is the best in the world.

"People buy KeepCup for re-use which transmit message while using it, but continue to use it because they love the way it makes you feel, for its color and design," explained the responsible.

Forstyh believes that the anti-bacterial properties of Cork, as well as its lightness and biogradável feature can take the brand to a wider audience ". "Our mission [to be] the same â€" reduce the use of disposable cups," he explained.

The new glass is ideal for coffee, because Cork protects your hands from burns. With a toughened glass and sturdy, a flexible lever and a larger hole, the KeepCup Brew Cork is on sale for €27 â€" in small size-and €29-in the middle.

The KeepCup emerged in Australia, after its creators if encountering a daily problem in the café where they worked â€" too many disposable cups ended up in the trash.In fact, every minute are thrown in the trash over a million disposable cups worldwide.

Most existing reusable cups were too large to fit in the coffee machines, and seemed too utilities and unappealing. Since 2009, the company has sold more than 3 million units, and its users managed to reduce by several thousand million the use of disposable cups. Currently, the KeepCup is available in more than 30 countries

In Portugal, the KeepCup has exclusive distribution of the Green Footprint, a Portuguese online store of sustainable products, which can be reused and have no toxic substances.

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The world of the magic mushrooms of Vyacheslav Mishchenko

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Vyacheslav Mishchenko is a photographer and lover of mushrooms. The passion for both began in childhood, influenced by father, who was a freelance photographer and was picking mushrooms in his spare time.

As they grew, the photograph was losing space for painting, but a passion for mushrooms remained. However, with the advent of digital photography, Slava, short for what is known, turned to interest for photography and decided to combine the two tastes.

That's how I began to take shape the first macro photos of mushroom, a fungus present in almost everywhere, but often ignored. With your machine, Slava shooting until the most common mushrooms, but angles that gives them a kind of magic. The picture gets even more composed when he manages to portray the interactions of small insects with the mushrooms.

Here are some of the great shots of Slava and their mushrooms.

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Thursday, September 25, 2014

Fourth generation of entrepreneurs in the salt meets surprise enemy: climate change (with video)

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For four generations the same family works in salinas de Rio Maior. Louis and John Lee remember help grandparents and parents in the marine Salt, from which this is taken, and it is now their turn to develop the business: the Salt store.

Although the salinas de Rio Maior is a millennial business, a new stage of evolution starts now and Louis and John already knows the name of one of its greatest enemies in the development of the company: climate change.

"Later this year, with the time [uncertain], the production is much more reduced, which may pose a risk to the satisfaction of all the requests that we have customers," explained John Lopes. According to his brother, Luis, this is a business that is completely dependent on the weather: the production exists only in summer. "We're limited by weather conditions," he explained.

"We need heat and we are also limited to the salinity of the water: If the temperature is greater in winter, will have a lower quality of water in the summer," continues.

With superior training in electrical engineering and psychology, Louis and John know that his high-quality salt-the salt pans are in a protected region. "The salt does not have any kind of additives or processing. Has a quality of excellence, and a large part of the product goes to Germany and Northern Europe and is marketed to large heads and Delicatessens, "explains Luis Lopes.

In the coming months, the Lee brothers predict launch new products, including bath salts, taking the name of salinas de Rio Maior other geographies. This, of course, if the changing climate will allow them. If climate change continues its saga of disruption of temperatures and multiplication of extreme phenomena, then the likelihood is that this development of business is seriously affected.

Foto: bjaglin / Creative Commons



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EMEL offers € 10 in parking lot until Tuesday

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The company parking Municipal de Lisboa (EMEL) is launching an application to facilitate the payment of parking tariff via smartphone, the ePark, and offers € 10 to all users to install up to 30 September, Tuesday-Yes, you read well, offers.

According to minus one Car, the application allows a better management of our costs ", since you only pay for the actual time" parking lot ". The Park, the user should access the application, select the option ' Start ' and the time starts to count up to the maximum period permitted in that zone. When you return the car, simply select the option ' shutdown ' and complete the payment.

It is also possible to control the parking period, reducing or increasing remotely the same whenever necessary, that is, if you're away from the car and the time that had paid end, can extend it using the application; If, on the contrary, take less time than had paid initially, can stop counting and "only the value corresponding to the actual time that the car had been parked is charged".

The application of EMEL was tested at an ePark pilot project that began in June this year in some areas of Lisbon and has now been extended to the entire metropolitan area. The ePark application is also available for the Android and iOS devices.

The company also recently announced the launch of a project that signals where there are vacant parking places. This application, which was launched with the objective of facilitating the search for places to park their cars, has been tested on Avenida da Praia da Vitória (next to the Saldanha) and runs through sensors placed on the tarmac.

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Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Village "sunk" in 1935 reappears due to drought

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In 1935, the village of Mardale Green, British in Cumbria was flooded to make way for the Haweswater reservoir, which serves the area of Greater Manchester. In recent days, however, the village returned to be visible, the result of a lack of rainfall during the dry months of summer.

According to British media, this is the first time that Mardale Green-or what about her â€" is seen in more than 80 years. This year, the villagers were expelled from their homes and part of the buildings were dismantled â€" several farms, a church and a pub. The stones were later used to build the water tower situated on the West Bank of the reservoir.

Now, what remains of Mardale Green can be seen finally â€" and photographed, which Vilarinho das Furnas. There are several ancient structures, gates to farms, bits of trees revealed.

"It was the driest September since 1960," explained a spokesman for the Met Office, admitting that the amount of rainfall was up by 2% compared to a normal September.

When Haweswater was built, the water level reached 29 meters â€" about 84 billion litres. The dam created a reservoir six kilometres in length and 600 metres wide. The wall measures 470 metres is 27.5 metres high.

Mardale Green was considered one of the most beautiful villages of Cumbria and the reservoir was highly criticized at the time.

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Ana Ferreira: "water as real development factor"

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"Water is a RESOURCE ESSENTIAL to life, so even if climate change continue to condition the access to this resource, we need to find solutions to make it reach all the people of the world.

The assertion is Hans Rosling, health expert and President of Gapminder Foundation, who spoke at the opening plenary session of the first day of the world water Congress, taking place in Lisbon until September 26.

During sixty fun minutes, which prompted several laughs from an audience, Hans Rosling tried to explain how water can be the solution for the development of countries and their communities.

Although in recent decades have elapsed several economic and social transformations, which, in most continents, reflected in increase in population and in improving the levels of education and income, poverty persists.

According to Hans Rosling, for the eradication of poverty contribute several factors, such as better provision of education, health services, infrastructure, technology, electricity, and how could not miss, coupled with access to water sanitation.

As regards water quality, major changes have taken place during the last half century. However, diseases associated with its scarcity or characteristics still persist, such as diarrhea or malaria. Thus, it is important to adopt policies that ensure widespread access of populations to adequate sanitation conditions, both in developed countries and in emerging societies. "

Born in Port-de-Mos, Ana Ferreira has 18 years and was one of three winners of the contest "reporter from Water", organized by Águas de Portugal to promote the world water Congress, to be held this week in Lisbon.

Green Savers has a news crew in this Congress. Follow us daily at www.greensavers.sapo.pt, on Facebook or Twitter.

Foto: Basilievich / Creative Commons

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Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Researchers discover gene that may slow aging

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A team of biologists has discovered a gene that may slow aging. The discovery was made during a study on fruit flies and everything indicates that there is a mechanism that stimulates the body's ability of flies in clean the Junk cell phone â€" what causes aging disorders â€" and to regenerate. Such mechanism may not only correspond to an increased longevity but also a healthier old age.

The discovery was made by a team of scientists at the University of California Los Angeles and the gene, known as AMPK, is being studied in order to understand how helps slow aging.

Scientists have known for some time that caloric restriction prolongs life and this is due to a gene called Sirtuin 1, which is activated when calories are restricted. Apparently the AMPK has a similar operation, entering into operation when the energy provided by the food is limited, referred to Inhabitat.

If it is possible to identify a way to delay human aging using this gene of flies, the AMPK would be quite useful to treat various types of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cancer, which increase as the cells are aging and lose their ability to regenerate.

Foto: mattamatikk / Creative Commons

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Access to safe drinking water is essential to get out of poverty, says Swedish investigator

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Access to drinking water is an important ally of the citizens living in extreme poverty â€" mainly women and children â€" and allows them to climb a rung on the ladder of social class. This rise can be done directly â€" easy access to clean drinking water could mean a child attending school â€" and not pick up buckets of water several miles away; and indirect: go to school is the only chance a child has to change their own social situation through education.

These two ideas were developed today in Lisbon by Hans Rosling, the doctor, researcher and statistician Swede who was co-founder and President of Gapminder Foundation and who were given honors to inaugurate the world water Congress.

This time, Rosling didn't swallow a sword, as in this celebrated TED Conference, but the good mood and the vein of entertainer were present, especially when your statistics entered into play â€" and there were many.

Hans Rosling follow Twitter.

Second Rosling, the drinking water â€" and the easy access to it â€" is one of the most important issues of the countries affected by extreme poverty. And gave the example of the family who, for not having direct access to drinking water, must "oblige" two of her sons to pick her up to several miles away. If this situation happens, they won't be able to attend school and lose some of the few chances they have to improve their social situation.

Rosling even gave an example: with a single innovative solution â€" a wheelbarrow financed by World Bank's microcredit, for example-, any family can put an adult, alone, to fetch water, allowing their children to attend classes.

The solution may seem as simple as basic, but the truth is that this is the African reality â€" and Rosling knows her well, once lived many years in Africa, including, between 1979 and 1981, in Nacala, Mozambique.

In school, these children can learn to defend their rights, learn more about their own health and well-being, development of basic infrastructures and agricultural technologies, and discover ways to get credit or microfinance.

Second Rosling, the revolution of water in countries affected by extreme poverty will also benefit women. When we are talking about this social reality, the most important is to reduce child labour and women â€" men will go on to have pride in the fact that their children study, and not on the amount of children they have.

On the other hand, there are issues indirectly related to this phenomenon and that are holding back the economic and social development of these people. The spinal injury are very frequent in women who carry water every day; others, who do not have the bathroom at home, are sexually attacked in public restrooms.

Asian and African Boom

At the beginning of the Conference, Rosling split the planet in four locations: America, Africa, Asia and Europe. If each billion people represent a single, America has today a person â€" as well as Africa and Europe-, against four in Asia. These figures will evolve in the near future: in 2050, Africa and Asia will gain a second inhabitant; and in 2010, Africa will feature four inhabitants â€" the equivalent of four billion inhabitants. "About 80% of the global population will live in Asia or Africa in 2100", warned the Swedish investigator.

Second Rosling, a since has passed unnoticed to the public is the stagnation in the number of children worldwide. "The number of children stopped growing in the world â€" is the biggest event that ever go unnoticed to the media: Asia and Africa are decreasing in the number of children per woman," continued.

Today, more and more families from developing countries decide how many children they want to have through the well-being that they may provide. This is where the importance of water in economic and social development. Six out of every seven billion people in the world today has access to good water. "Less than one billion people still have no access to good water, but the problem today is related to the quality of water â€" contamination, toxic problems," explained Rosling.

For that education allows new parents have a new vision of family planning, the water is fundamental. "We have to get good water to these billion people â€" and improve the quality of the water. But congratulations to your sector, you're doing an extraordinary job, "praised.

However, there is a question that leaves Rosling intrigued: there are more people with access to cell phones than with access to drinking water and sanitation â€" a reality especially visible in India, home to 1.3 billion people. And what is the solution of Rosling? "We have to invent the digital bathroom â€" the engineers managed to take the cellphone to various points on the planet, why not do the same with sanitation?".

At the end of the Conference, and after other speakers have already answered several questions, Rosling ended with a question that was hovering at the head of the lecturers at the end of the morning: "you know what nobody talked about here today? Of climate change. We need to act quickly on the issues of water and sanitation, due to climate change. Don't forget this: the climate will change ". But there was no time for more.

Foto: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade / Creative Commons

Green Savers will have a news crew at the world water Congress. Follow us daily at www.greensavers.sapo.pt, on Facebook or Twitter.

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Monday, September 22, 2014

New fossil hippopotamus with large lips is named in honor of Mick Jagger

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In addition to "Sir" one of the most important figures of the musical panorama, Mick Jagger will also be immortalized in the natural sciences, since a team of scientists named a new species of fossil in honor of the lead singer of the Rolling Stones and their prominent lips.

The fossil of a new species of an animal similar to a small Hippo with labia majora was discovered in the desert of Egypt, area that in prehistory was a delta with abundant vegetation surrounded by swamps â€" among other fossils found at the site are catfish, turtles and seabirds.

Naida Jaggermeryx was the name given to the new species, which live in Africa about 19 million years ago. The animal would probably be the size of a deer the modern equivalent to cross between a hippopotamus and a slim-legged pig.

According to the data released by the paleontology team Wake Forest University, who discovered the fossil, the jaw of the animal presents eight holes on each side. These structures probably albergariam nerves, giving the creature lips extremely sensitive that would be used to find food. The animal will have belonged to the extinct family antracoterídeos.

Naida Jaggermeryx translates to "aquatic nymph Jagger", indicates Miller, Elle Paleoanthropologist who was involved in the discovery and study of the fossil, referred to the Daily Mail. "Some of my colleagues wanted to christen the new species with the name of Angelina Jolie, also because of your lips. But to me it had to be in honor of Mick Jagger, "says the researcher.

Photo: vermelho_cereja/Creative Commons

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The angriest of the frog world

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Although it seems to be permanently angry, this is the natural aspect of Breviceps fuscus, or common name, black rain frog. This is a frog in the screwy-looking, mostly terrestrial and endemic to the South coast of Africa.

One of the features of this frog is the ability to dig Burrows that can reach 150 mm deep.  During the breeding season, on the other hand, are males who are guarding the eggs in the holes previously built.

This frog has a special mechanism of defence. When you get scared or is grabbed, the black rain frog inflates its body and propels itself through the air, in order to escape the danger. Normally, this defense mechanism is more used for digging burrows and animals are less alert to potential dangers, referred to the Dodo.

The main threats to this mad frog are mostly loss of habitat as a result of deforestation and the introduction of invasive vegetation in its habitat, as well as the fires.

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Sunday, September 21, 2014

Afonso Lobato Faria: "wastewater reuse is one of priority investments of Águas de Portugal"

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In 2009, Lisbon secured the organisation of world water Congress, an event which kicks off today and was "won", five years ago, at the expense of the proposals of Istanbul (Turkey), Brussels (Belgium), Dublin (Ireland) and Geneva (Switzerland).

Considered to be the most important Congress on water in the world, the event is organized by the International Water Association (IWA) and will have as its theme "Shaping the future of water". The waters of Portugal is one of the companies that actively works in the Organization of the event â€" or not perform it in Portugal â€" reason Green Savers interviewed the President of the company, Afonso Lobato Faria.

What are the main themes that expects to see discussed and clarified in Congress? The water sector is of great importance in the context of public health, the quality of the environment, climate change, innovation. These are cross-cutting themes to more technical topics of the agenda of Congress, relating to security and quality of supply, cutting-edge technologies, innovative treatment processes, contributions of science â€" and also with issues of governance, management models, economic and financial sustainability or energy efficiency.

This is the first time that this Congress takes place in Portugal, what distinguishes us but also brings a greater responsibility. I hope that participants of more than 100 countries present enjoy fully the breadth of knowledge and experience shared by the best specialists of the sector that also come from different latitudes.

That keynote speakers will not lose and why? The greatest difficulty will be choosing, because the range of possibilities is very rich and diverse. If you could highlight just one, I'd say I have special curiosity by the intervention of Sue Murphy, CEO of Water Corporation of Western Australia, which will address the issues of efficiency and sustainability of water services â€" which is one of the main challenges of our sector in Portugal.

The waters of Portugal will have a very broad set of sessions and workshops. That highlights topics on this list? We can really be proud of the participation of the waters of Portugal, since early in the active participation of EPAL in the Organization of the Congress. In all other group companies, we are involved in promotion of round tables and workshops, we have participated in more than 20 panels, we have 32 posters, we promote business forums and various other activities in an excellent shows the capabilities of our employees.

In this context, we must highlight the workshops "Management models for water utilities" and "Investments for 2020 in Portuguese speaking Countries", both powered by group companies and taking place on the first day of the Congress, day 22.

Wednesday, March 24, is a day of great prominence for the group a session dedicated to the issue of water Safety plans, in the Conference program, fully supported by employees. Also on this day, I would like to highlight the presentation of the "Handbook for the development of water Safety plans" in the booth of Águas de Portugal, in the scope of the Congress. This is a manual developed by a working group of the Águas de Portugal specialized in water Safety plans (PSA), being an adaptation of the publicaçãoWater Safety Plan Manual: step-by-step risk management for drinking-water suppliers, World Health Organization and the International Association of water, complemented with the experience of the AdP group companies, who already have implemented Water safety plans.

I can't help but also refer to the technical visits on Friday, day 26, the various water treatment infrastructures in the group, as the wastewater treatment stations de Alcântara, Lisbon, da Guia, in Cascais, and Serzedo, in Guimarães, and the water treatment plant of Asseiceira, in Tomar.

One of the reasons cited for winning Congressional organization Lisbon water world had as a backdrop to our privileged relationship with the Ibero-American and African countries. What role can have the waters of Portugal in developing good practices and innovations in these countries? It is a fact that the historical affinities and common language are conveyed in a natural way international projects conducted by Águas de Portugal, namely in Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Mozambique and Timor-Leste. This relationship has been consolidated over almost two decades of cooperative projects, technical assistance and concessions management of water services and waste.

Is for us a great satisfaction to have all these our partners here in Lisbon at the world water Congress, especially because it is an opportunity to consolidate the projects that we have in common and share the challenges of the future that are discussed in the various conferences and technical sessions.

One of the themes that most enthusiasm is building in Congress is the reuse of residual water. What is your opinion on this subject and how this innovation can be a global reality? Águas de Portugal group also shares this enthusiasm, especially as the wastewater reuse is one of the priority areas of investment in innovation and Research Group Development and & was also listed as one of the areas to deepen under a partnership of cooperation with institutions of higher learning Polytechnic who recently concluded.

This means that, being the Waters of Portugal group responsible for treating wastewater of about 80% of the Portuguese population, have naturally a great responsibility in deepening the viability and environmental added value, economic-financial and technical of wastewater reuse in their systems. Even in one of the sessions will be devoted to this theme, on Tuesday, a contributor to our with a speech on "Wastewater Reuse: Strategic Planning as a Viability Factor".

Currently the reuse of waste water in the washing of floors of facilities and equipment, irrigation of green spaces and in the preparation of reagents is already common to the majority of our systems at the same time they're being developed other pilot projects, such as the delivery of waste water treated to municipal uses in large urban centers, such as washing of streets and containers, watering of golf courses and even the cooling of cooling systems of commercial spaces.

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The discreet charm of the suburban night clubs

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For many, the weekend brings nocturnal adventures unthinkable a week, many of them passed in clubs and eccentric buildings, they change their appearance overnight â€" in our minds, at least.

The French photographer François Prost realized in 2009, during a holiday in Burgundy, French seaside resort, that these centres of nocturnal activity change figure within hours: of postmodern entertainment palaces, at night, to architectural monsters, by day.

"It reminded me of my youthful years", explained the graphic designer of 34 years.

Prost, who has photography as a hobby, quickly undertook a project to rediscover his youth and, at the same time, expose the specific architecture of the suburban night clubs. Yes, because those are mundane urban. "They are places with too many people and there are interesting photographic point of view. There is not enough space and many are in garages, "he continued.

The suburban night clubs, for their part, have a "face". "Just looking for nightclubs that have a guy who can be the height of the cliché of nightclub," he concluded.

In recent years, Prost has photographed night clubs in France and Belgium, but the project has fallen in love so much that we're thinking of inviting him to pass through Portugal. And the reader, want to help us by sending some pictures of your favorite Portuguese nightclubs?

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Saturday, September 20, 2014

The rarest amphibians in the world

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"Looking for the Lost Amphibians" is the story of the conservationist and photographer Robin Moore and their journey in search of amphibian species lost. From Colombia to Costa Rica and from Israel to India this photographer sought the rarest species of amphibians from around the world and immortalized them through his photographic lens.

The journey started in 2010 and ran across 21 countries. If at first it was only shortly after Moore joined him 126 researchers, referred to in the Guardian. The end result is "In Search of Lost Frogs", a book dedicated to these species illustrated with photographs taken by conservationist.

Robin Moore is the founder of the Amphibian Survival Alliance and a member of the International League of Conservation Photographers. The expedition and its findings are a step forward in the fight against the extinction of species and for its preservation.

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Maldives puts the island on sale for €10,6 million

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The Maldives are the country that probably has more debated and placed on media agenda the theme of climate change, and the reason is simple â€" will be one of the first to disappear with the increase of the mean sea level.

The Intergovernmental Panel on climate change reported in 2007 that if the mean sea level rise a mere 59 cm by 2100, an optimistic forecast, most of the 200 uninhabited islands would be under water â€" the Maldives have 1990 coral islands, grouped into 26 atolls chain.

One of these uninhabited islands, however, may soon change its status. According to British media, the Maldivian Government has put for sale on the island of Orivaru, a piece of land shaped like a pancake, for €10,6 million (US $ 32.2 million).

Taking into account what has been done to tackle climate change, will probably be money lying on the street for any entrepreneur or a millionaire, even though the island come with permission to build a hotel and spa.

With 14 acres and located at 45 minutes from the capital Malé, the island of Orivaru is one of 71 that belong to the archipelago of Noonu Atolls and is being sold by the Debutesq Group. "There's nothing on the island. Is completely Virgin, "explained Alan O'Connor, director-general of the group.

The Ministry of tourism will allow the construction of near 100 rooms and villas overlooking the Indian Ocean. How long do these possible constructions will be safe from water? This is another issue that's of little or nothing, probably will appeal to the persons concerned.

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A cyclist's helmet that mimics every fashion hats

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The use of helmet is essential to protect the urban cyclist of life in traffic-cars, motorbikes and trucks turn asphalt into a jungle. Still, some people avoid using the helmet for several reasons, including the aesthetics.

Is thinking about the safety of these cyclists that Bandbox idealized a helmet that looks like a normal hat. "[We want to] offer to cyclists helmet choices that will meet the fashion trends and that allow these to express your personal style without compromising security," explained the company, cited at least one car.

The idea started from transport security expert engineer Cheryl Allen-Munley, founder of Brandbox. "I don't wear a helmet is not a smart choice. In more than 95% of accidents, cyclists are not using protection, "he explains. Despite the helmets save lives, Allen-Munley don't think "cute" and considers that this is one of the reasons why so many people don't use.

The Bandbox helmets are made with various materials such as felt and straw, there are colors that are appropriate for various shades of hair and there are models from the typical format of cowboy hat until berets and caps. The base is A normal helmet and the model that covers the helmet can be changed at any time.

"I drew them in such a way as to imitate the shape of the human head, more specifically my" said, adding that the material with which they are made is sturdier than the traditional.

The hats are available in the online store of the brand from the €45 ($ 136). Being the District of Aveiro is known for textiles and passion for the bike, how does any company still thought a product which is identical? Or already have done?

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How nature is to swallow the abandoned quarry of Alvito

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Urban developments have not been favourable to Alvito, Lisbon, an ancient quarry and, later, industrial zone which is today used as a loading zone of rubble and garbage. The Algarve photographer John Gago, of 27 years, wandered by this space in ruins to find "a temporal experiment in which we can observe the passage of time" â€" and how this modifies the space.

"For more harm than the man do to nature, she can always win," explained the photographer to Green Savers. "Here we can see how the flora of this space is starting to swallow the human wreckage in a kind of biological recycling".

A degree in photography and Visual culture from the Instituto de Artes Visuais, Design e Marketing (IADE) in Lisbon, John the Stutterer has collaborated with newspapers and Public Destak and discovered the passion for photography among the Media Sciences studies.

As lovers of abandoned infrastructure, as has repeatedly announced, we cannot fail to commend the photographic session of John the Stutterer. Is the rediscovery of urban horrors that are halfway to the recovery of assets and better urban planning â€" and the area of Alvito deserves a new strategy.

Photos: John The Stutterer

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Friday, September 19, 2014

Investment in green titles already exceeds the €15,4 billion

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There are two reasons why the Zurich Insurance Group, one of the world's largest financial companies, is investing about € 1,5 billion in green bonds, or green titles. The first are the environmental benefits of investing in projects that reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and stop global warming. The second â€" and quite important for investors â€" is the profitability of green bonds.

"If there are opportunities that provide market returns as well as tangible and measurable environmental impacts, I consider them as a great investment opportunities," says the Director of Zurich's investment, Cecilia Reyes.

It is now clearer than ever for investors that the green bonds, which provide capital to finance renewable energy projects and cleaned with the promise of return on investment, are a good deal. The purchase of such assets is increasing at breakneck pace and more than €15,4 billion have already been issued in 2014 in the form of green bonds. The Climate Bond Initiative, a non-profit investor group, expects this market reaches the €30,9 billion at the end of the year. This means that the whole of that money will go straight to renewable energies.

The Zurich has risen to double investment in green bonds during the summer. In the spring, Unilever and Toyota issued the first titles of the genre. Even Warren Buffett is investing in green bonds, writes the Guardian.

And why decided now big investors start betting on clean economy? The answer is simple: the green bonds are a financial product that provides nice returns, between 4% to 5%, with a minimum risk. And clean energy projects, aided by cheaper renewable, are environmentally and financially more attractive.

And why are they so important the green bonds in the fight against climate change? Halting climate change will require trillions of euros of additional investment in renewable energy and other clean energy projects and the titles are a fundamental life force to finance these projects.

In fact, the total investment in clean energies should continue to increase, reaching €385,6 billion in 2020 and €771 billion in 2030. Just reaching these values is that there is the likelihood that we can prevent global temperatures increase by more than two degrees Celsius. But the current investment levels, emissions and global temperatures are on the way that should do increase temperatures between four to five degrees Celsius â€" a scenario that will be catastrophic for the economy and the environment.

Foto: Oooah! / Creative Commons

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Orivárzea invests €597 thousand in two photovoltaic plants

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In 2013, the managers of Orivárzea, Portuguese producer of rice, decided to increase the sustainability of their products, indirectly, through the installation of a photovoltaic coverage of 174.9 kWp, a project that was effected last May and which covers an area of about 2850 square meters.

This solution takes into account the sustainability, of course, but also weighs on wallet-or rather, make it heavier, figuratively, in the medium and long term. With an investment of € 247,000, the Orivárzea achieves an annual turnover of 17%, recovering all the capital in just five years.

"The Orivárzea is an agri-food company that, in a sustainable manner, develops its activity dede seed production to placement of the rice in the linear. Throughout the process, our concern is to preserve the ecosystem associated with rice production, since there is a flora and fauna associated with this culture, which is vital to the maintenance of wetlands where one inserts the production, "explained Green Savers Joaquim Bravo, director of quality of Orivárzea.

The responsible admits that the photovoltaic energy production unit will "optimize" the company's energy autonomy by promoting an environmental and economic improvement. To produce annually 266.89 MWh, the equivalent to feed 70 dwellings, the photovoltaic installation will avoid annual emissions of 54.2 tonnes of CO2 â€" it would be like planting a forest with the size of 11 football stadiums.

According to Joaquim Bravo, the photovoltaic installation has an estimated period of life of 20 years, and there is no maintenance costs. After this period, the infrastructure will have to be replaced.

In the short term, the Orivárzea will invest € 350,000 in another photovoltaic installation, now on Marecos. "I can't quantify how much we invest in sustainability, but we produce all our rice in an integrated manner. We carry out the management of agricultural waste and we have forwarded the packaging for the Valorfito. Also we have forwarded and separated all the garbage through the Socorsul, "concluded the responsible.

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The results of the photo contest of Survival International

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In 1969, the Sunday Times Magazine published an article by Norman Lewis who gave account of the genocide of indigenous peoples in Brazil. The strength of the photographs, the reputed Don McCullin, had enough influence in the creation of Survival International, the global movement that fights for the rights of indigenous people.

To honor the 45 years of Survival International, the Organization organized a photo contest, open to amateur and professional photographers, to try to increase the visibility of these people honestly still â€" and their suffering.

The results were published today and can be seen in this gallery â€" see the photographer's name and where the photo was taken immediately below.

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1. Giordano Cipriani â€" Tocantins Asurini, indigenous, Brazil

2.David Ducoin - igreja de Tarahumara, Mexico

3.Arman Barbuco - Cordillera Central, Philippines

4. Andrew Newey-Arunachal Pradesh, India

5. Nicolas Marino Arch-Kham, Tibet

6. Diego Barrero-Omo Valley, Ethiopia

7. Oartha â€" Shilabati River Pratim, India

8. Fabien Astre-Mentwai Islands, Indonesia

9. Johann Rouseelot â€" Odisha, India

10. Giordano Cipriani â€" Tocantins Asurini, indigenous, Brazil

11. Brave Salvatorre â€" Elm Valley, Ethiopia

12.Sarah Sandring â€" Newfoundland and Labrador, Canadá

13. Christian Declerq-Cusco, Peru

14.Survival International

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Thursday, September 18, 2014

305 metre Tower will be installed in the Amazon to monitor climate change

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The Brazil and Germany, in a joint effort, will install a tower and 304.8 metres tall in the Amazon to monitor climate change. Amazon Tall Tower, as will call, will determine the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) absorbed by the largest tropical forest in the world.

The Amazon rainforest absorbs huge quantities of CO2 annually, playing an important role in the climate of the planet. The new Tower, taller than the Eiffel Tower, will help scientists quantify the amount of CO2 absorbed or released annually. To this end, the Tower will be equipped with various monitoring instruments that will collect data on aerosols and greenhouse gases. Given its height will be also possible to investigate the changes and movements of air masses through the forest at large distances, writes the Inhabitat.

"Monitoring is done largely without direct human influence and, as such, ideal to investigate the significance of forest regions to the chemistry and physics of the atmosphere," says project coordinator Jurgen Kesselmeier, researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry.

The Tower will be located about 161km from the city of Manaus and be made of steel, which will be produced in southern Brazil.

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Germany: village produces 500% of energy needs from renewable sources

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Wildpoldsried, a small town in the Bavarian region with about 2,600 inhabitants, is leading the German renewable energy movement. In recent years, this village has invested in a holistic range of renewable energy projects, which include 4,983 kWp photovoltaic energy, biogas installations 5, 11 wind turbines and a hydroelectric system.

As a result, the village passed a long energy independence and currently produces 500% more energy than it needs, benefiting from sales to national energy network.

The renewable energy projects in Germany have grown enough in recent years, driven by Government subsidies that allow you to lower costs, reduce energy independence from fossil fuels and nuclear power production. Such a transformation is known in the country as "Energiewende" or "energy transition." As a result of this investment, the Germans should soon meet 30% of energy needs from renewable sources.

At the local level, Wildpoldsried far exceeded the national success. The commitment to renewables officially started in 1999. The initial aim of the village was to produce 100% of the energy they need from renewable energy in 2020, referred to Inhabitat. But the local community has expressed enthusiasm and projects have advanced much faster than expectations. In 2011, was producing Wildpoldsried 321% more than the energy needed and receive €4,4 million from the sale of energy.

Foto: kuberok / Creative Commons

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Where did the inspiration for the hobbit houses modern?

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The first green roof construction dating from the years 60, but for centuries the Norse living in houses made with natural materials and that inspired J.R.R Tolkien in his literary works â€" in the homes of hobbit.

The architecture of these houses has a very specific context: in a iced environment and with few trees, the grass was a natural choice for buildings, especially in countries like Iceland and Norway.

The grass provides an insulating layer to ceilings and walls, being not only efficient but also a sustainable approach to construction. Being an abundant resource in nature, it is easy to install and requires little maintenance.

According to Inhabitat explains, these houses were built in the brief time of the year when moderate soil grew grass chunks, herbs and wildflowers.

Today, these houses use synthetic rubber liners to prevent moisture from damaging the roof structure â€" its long useful life can reach 40 years. At that time, the roofs were using only bark of trees, a proofing that, interestingly, had the same 40 years of useful time of life. These shells were collected in the spring, when the upward flow of SAP made of bark was easy to peel off the trees â€" usually birch trees, which are among the most common trees of the regions. This process does not damage the trees.

The basic structure of the House was built with stones and trunks â€" of birch or other species-, with raw wood planks that served as roof boards to support the grass. From the eaves of the roof, the Nordic constructors put overlapping sheets of birch bark, which functioned as large tiles and took the water to drain from the roof to the ground.

A layer of grass about seven inches thick was placed on birch bark, to keep him in place. This process helped the water flowing under the roof and prevented the House of decompose quickly.

A second layer is placed on top of the first, getting a total of 15 inches of coverage. Finally, a trunk was attached horizontally to the base of the roof, along each one of the gutters to prevent the lawn from sliding down.

The rough trunks that were typically used as a wall structure, in conjunction with grass roofs, were compressed by shaking by these, closing every possible draughts and giving some comfort to homeowners.

Unlike hobbits, the Norse were â€" and are. -extremely high people. But its doors were too small, as you can see in the following images, a reflection of the scarcity of existing wood in these places and not the physical structure of the population.

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Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Richard Branson has invested in only 7.6% sustainability than promised

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In 2006, the entrepreneur and founder of Virgin, Richard Branson, made a statement bombastic: over the next decade, he would invest three billion ($ 7 billion) in business and sustainable technologies.

Branson explains in his autobiography, Screw it, let's Do It, he was impressed when Al Gore, then touring worldwide with the an inconvenient truth project, explained the dangers of climate change. "Listened to Gore and thought I was looking at Armageddon", revealed the Manager.

Months later, Branson was on Clinton Global Initiative promising to spend three billion ($ 7 billion) in the next decade, to developing biofuels as an alternative to oil and gas, and other technologies to combat climate change. The world was thrilled with the promise of Branson-Clinton apeliou her "precursor"-mainly because she would be subsidized by the highly polluting Virgin Atlantic.

Eight years later, the journalist Naomi Klein, the Guardian newspaper, he investigated where was this money and found that there's no money. Branson has invested over the past eight years, €177 million (US $ 577 million) in projects related to sustainability â€" less than a tenth of what was promised, when little more than a year for the period expires.

"For many mainstream ecologists, Branson seemed like a dream come true: a darling of the media that shows the world that highly polluting companies can lead the way to a green future, using profits as their most potent weapon," explained Klein â€" who accused Bill Gates and Michael Bloomberg, albeit in smaller doses, of the same type of hypocrisy.

According to Klein, Branson began to invest € 100 million ($ 303 million) in a deal of biofuel from ethanol. However, investors concluded that the technology was not sufficiently developed and diversified investments.

In 2009, Branson defended the pledge in an interview with Wired: "it doesn't matter if you invest two, three or four billion, is not relevant." So, he blamed the economic crisis by their meager investments. "The world was very different in 2006 ... for the last eight years the airline has lost hundreds of millions of dollars".

Since 2006 â€" the year of promise â€" Branson Airlines increased emissions of greenhouse gases by 40%. Then there's the formula one team and Virgin Galactic, which hopes to launch the first commercial spaceflight. Only in this draft, according to Fortune, Branson will have spent € 150 million ($ 467 million).

Promise to invest in sustainable innovation is easy â€" the hard part is keeping promises. And even Richard Branson escape this reality.

Foto: Jarle Naustvik / Creative Commons

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United Nations Headquarters will be lit with endangered species

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The walls of the United Nations Headquarters in New York, will reflect and rare creatures facing extinction, according to those responsible for the climate March, which takes place this weekend.

These animals will be screened on Saturday, 20 September, between the 8:0 pm and the 11:0 pm â€" time to New York â€" and the 3:0 pm and 6:0 pm, Lisbon time.

The action will be developed by The Oceanic Preservation Society, a u.s. NGO specializes in marine conservation and responsible for the movie "Racing Extinction", which follows a team of activists as they are telling the story of climate change through the lens of a mass extinction of species.

The film aims to draw more people to the cause of conservation and galvanize the population to save these species before it's too late.

According to conservationists, the Planet will be losing about 30 thousand species per year, many of them haven't even been discovered by humans.

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Global certification of sugar more slowly than anticipated

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Sugar plantations grew globally from 19 million hectares in 2000 to nearly 24 million hectares in 2010 â€" the same number of palm oil and coconut together â€" and the expansion is expected to continue to grow as the demand for food and confection sugar ethanol persists.

In recent years, organizations such as Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance and IFOAM Organic have been trying to enverdecer this industry, but the efforts have been in vain. In 2008, the Bonsucro â€" former Better Sugarcane Initiative, a program developed in partnership with the WWF â€" tried to get sugar certificate to a global market, but all initial projections have been flouted.

Today, approximately 3.66% of the entire global sugar is certified. However, in 2012, the former CEO of Bonsucro, Nick Goodall, promised to reach 5% in two years â€" what didn't happen. With numbers revised downwards, the prospects to reach the 20% until 2017 are nonexistent.

The Bonsucro included companies such as Coca Cola, Ferrero or pertolíferas such as BP and Shell, but there are other rocks in my shoes of the organization. The Tate Lyle & resigned from the partnership earlier this year, after allegations that they have suitable land in Cambodia.

"The standard of the Bonsucro takes into account the social and environmental impact. Farmers, Millers, brands, NGOs came together and said: we need to do something. They want a standard that could change the industry, "explained the CEO of Bonsucro, Natasha Schwarzbach, the Guardian.

One of the founding members of the Coalition, Bacardi, pledged to buy 100% sustainable sugar until 2022. Two other brands, Ferrero and Coca-Cola want to anticipate this date in two years.

However, this will not be easy. The sugar is planted in 102 countries, but the Bonsucro just got certified factories in two of them, Brazil and Australia. There are six priority countries: Thailand, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Mexico, Fiji. Central America is one of the priorities of the Coalition, according to Schwarzbach, which admits has a long road ahead of you.

Foto: Jenny Mealing / Creative Commons

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