Fish with 140 million years ago on the brink of extinction

The Chinese sturgeon, one of the oldest living things on Earth, are facing extinction due to pollution of the Yangtze River. The Chinese sturgeon is considered a "national treasure" in China, but even that didn't save a disappearance announced, due to the pollution, overfishing and habitat loss for the construction of dams.

In 2013, according to the Chinese Academy of fishery Science, there was no natural reproduction of Chinese sturgeon for the first time in 32 years that scientists monitor this species.

"The fact that there is no natural reproduction means that the Chinese sturgeon can not expand their population and, without protection, may be on the brink of extinction," said Wei Qiwie, a researcher of the Academy.

Currently there are only 100 Chinese sturgeon in their habitat. And this is not the only species to lose biodiversity in the Yangtze River: the population of dolphins 99.4% decreased between 1980 and 2006; and the Alligator population fell 97 percent from 1995 to 2010, according to AFP.

Over the past 50 years, according to the WWF (World Wildlife Fund), the level of pollution grew 73% on the Yangtze River, mainly due to industrial, agricultural waste and sewage discharged into the water.

The exorbitant amount of polluters led to eutrophication, a process in which the excess of nutrients creates a low oxygen condition, making it almost impossible for life to all species.

The Chinese sturgeon is considered a living fossil â€" have been contemporaries of the dinosaurs, there are 140 million years.

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Flavors market received 20 thousand people

About 20 thousand people passed this weekend by Meo Arena in Lisbon, to taste the gastronomic market portugality Flavors, according to the Continent, organizer of the event.

The market of flavors was attended by the chefs Just Noble, Henrique Sá Pessoa, Kiko Martins, Luís Baena and Hélio Loureiro and was inspired by the "street food, street food. In addition to wine tasting and olive oil, the site featured a restoration zones, workshops of soft eggs and cheese production, showcookings, showcases and regional products stalls for tastings of the best makes in Portuguese cuisine.

The event was attended by 68 national producers from Mainland Producers, from four regions of Portugal â€" North, Centre and Vale do Tejo, South and Islands.

The Mainland Producers Club gathers 267 members that correspond to more than 4,000 individual producers and about 12,800 jobs, distributed from North to South, Azores and Madeira. Since 1998, the Producers Club has already bought more than 1 million tons to the national production, which go beyond the billion euros.

More than eight tonnes of fruit and vegetables, wine bottles and 210 were sampled more than 1,000 bottles of wine producers from Mainland Producers Club, in tasting.

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Allow renewable energy self-sufficiency the Quintinha de Monserrate, Sintra (with video)

Since July the Quintinha de Monserrate, a pedagogical farm situated less than three miles from the historic centre of Sintra, is more sustainable. The Farm off the net is what you might call a green project-inside-of-another-Green project and gives the Monserrate a first approach to the concept of green economy.

"The farm is a place where we privilege all contact with the rural surroundings and traditions, particularly in this region country. We want to make known to all the people on Earth and the animals, "he explained to the green economy Susana Morales, the Sintra Parks.

To enverdecer the project was created the Farm outside the network, generating electricity of renewable origin for self-consumption. "In the Sierra de Sintra can harness wind power, hydro and solar power. This project allows us to be self-sufficient. We're not dependent on the public network for what we need in terms of energy consumption, "explained Green Savers Susana Morales.

This structure does not require a cumbersome licensing process, unlike other renewable energy solutions. "It's within reach of all [implement this system]. Just have the will and effort to want to change something, "explains Nuno Oliveira, the Sintra Parks.

And money, we've added. The Sintra Parks invested € 60,000 in small farm outside the network, distributed between a wind turbine â€" wind energy â€" a hydro turbine-hydro energy â€" and a set PV-solar power. All are connected to a central, as you can see in episode 301 of the green economy.

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The Japanese Government wants to reactivate nuclear facilities by the end of the year

The Japanese Government received the green light to nuclear power regulators to end the period "nuclear zero" which was enacted following the radioactive disaster occurred in central Fukushima Prefecture, in 2011. The objectives of the Government led by Shinzo Abe are now for two reactors Sendai Center into operation before the end of 2014.

However, the regulator has indicated that for the reentrem reactors into operation it is necessary that the operator can convince local population Center that the resumption of nuclear production is safe. But the task won't be easy, since the Japanese public opinion is now aware of the dangers inherent to nuclear energy and stands strongly against reactivation of reactors from various country's core.

Although the Government aims to pass by the reactivation of the reactors before the end of the year, this will be unlikely. The Kyushu Electric Power, the company that operates the Sendai plant, still lacks to complete some legal and security with the nuclear regulator, referred to Inhabitat.

Sendai Center was the first to submit to the Governor the new additional measures of security, which aim to reduce the impact of earthquakes and tsunamis in reactors. In total, has been asked to reactivation of 20 nuclear reactors in 10 distinct plants.

Foto: Greenpeace Australia Pacific / Creative Commons

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The Blue Lagoon geothermal with regenerative powers

The Iceland is a fascinating country in many respects and its blue lagoon with regenerative powers is no exception. The name derives from the amazing blue color which features and the waters that feed comes from runoff of a geothermal plant located nearby.

These waters have regenerative characteristics and function as a kind of Spa, with temperatures between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius throughout the year, attracting millions of people annually, referred to Inhabitat.

The bright blue of the lagoon is due to high concentrations of silica, minerals and algae. Although the water itself is a milky white shade, sunlight reflects silica and algae add a bit of Green pigment. In the end, the result is a luminous blue.

Although the other geothermal lagoons of Iceland are also rich in minerals, only the ratio of minerals found in the Blue Lagoon has regenerative characteristics, ideal for people with skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis.

In the background the lagoon there is a geothermal plant. By taking advantage of this type of energy to generate electricity, the Iceland managed to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels. In 2011, about 66% of the energy produced in Iceland came from geothermal resources.

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The Museum of Paris that was swallowed by vegetation

Visit the Eiffel Tower is mandatory for who goes to Paris, then a spell at Museé du Quai Branly-the Museum of Arts and civilizations of Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas â€" which until it's close, can be an inspiration for high architectural template.

Designed by Jean Nouvel with the endorsement of the former French President, Jacques Chirac, the Museé du Quai Branly has on its impressive green coverage to your architectural added value. Its facade is completely covered with a green wall of 12.1 meters and 198 meters in length, which serves as natural insulation and improves air quality.

The green wall is designed by Gilles Clément and Patrick Blanc â€" is one of the most famous works of Blanc, passionate about biodiversity. To enter the Museum, visitors have to go through a long sequence of paths in maze, secret gardens and trees.

The Museum is a true oasis in the city, and its gardens and relaxing green spaces are much used by tourists to catch up on your reading or simply rest your feet. If you don't know the location, here are some of its spaces.

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Brazilian tourist town environmental charge € 7 per car

With 16,900 inhabitants, the city of Bombinhas, on the coast of Santa Catarina, Brazil, is invaded by tourists in the summer. Every year, about 1 million visitors arriving in the city, which is causing serious environmental disturbances on site and that prompted the Board to approve a fee of € 7 ($ 20) for every car that enters into Firecrackers.

The draft law provides for a tariff to enter the city, the so-called Environmental preservation Fee (TPA), which has already been approved by the Executive and hopes now for constitutionality, which is being considered by the local public prosecutor. If no irregularities are found, the rate comes into operation on 15 November, holiday in that country.

"The advancement of environmental degradation is very aggressive," explained Ana Paula da Silva, the Mayor of the city, the UOL. "The fares are compensation for the city. We live for tourism and quaremos the coming of tourists, but the recovery is just and necessary, including to improve the visitors ' own infrastructure, "continued.

The money raised by the fee will be applied in the preservation of the environment, infrastructure, public sanitation and sanitation measures. About 70% of the territory is considered permanent preservation area, but only 10% of the municipality's sanitation service.

Upon reaching the entrance to the city, the vehicles will be monitored by a device similar to a radar, which makes reading the boards for the subsequent sending of billing to the visitor. Payment may also be made in advance.

The fee must be in force between 15 November and 15 April and may be paid online, in branches and other locations. After the issuance of the fare, the driver can get in and out of town for a period of 12:0 am. If the visitor entry and exit only at the end of your stay, only will be charged a fee.

Residents and tourists who own real estate in the city are exempt of payment, as well as some types of transport, such as ambulances, trucks and official vehicles; service providers or vehicles that do trade supply previously registered; and public transportation.

Here are some pictures of Bombinhas.

Photo: Andreia Reis/Renato Pereira/pratiproy/Creative Commons

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