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Cloud Invented: Will Solve Climate Change

cloud qatar soccer football gameQatar scientists have invented the portable cloud, to hover over a football game in 2022

I have long covered wonderful, innovative and sometimes wacky inventions to reduce our use of fossil fuels, in order to prevent climate change. There’s no shortage of the genius needed. But, unfortunately, preventing climate change takes political commitment as well, to invent the policies that efficiently move everyone to  alternative technologies that don’t destroy our habitat. The shortage of genius there  – let alone basic common sense – is sorely lacking.

As a result, now we are beginning to move into the period of the catastrophic consequences of climate change. So by the 2300s, half the planet is expected to no longer be habitable – according to a study published at PNAS. (Barring some major leaps forward in heat-tolerance genetic engineering of the human body, of course).

But for the next 50 years or so, expect many inventions to be devised to make temperatures bearable – in the meantime. Writers like us, at sites like Green Prophet now, and those that follow us, will increasingly be uncovering some of the climate change mitigation inventions devised. And some of them will be wacky, bordering on the marvelously silly side of sci fi. Here is one.

Scientists at Qatar University have invented a portable cloud to hover over the stadium during a football game, the World Cup planned to be held in Qatar in 2022. It’s manufactured from light carbon materials and helium gas and should cost a mere half million US dollars to build. It will be made to hover using lightweight solar electricity on top, and to be able to be adjusted by remote control.

Haarp experiments and death ray dolphin killing

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Natural phenomena, fishermen murders, HAARP experiments or an alien death ray? Some 152 dolphins boiled alive with conspiracy theorists pointing to HAARP.

You may think you have seen everything reading about the slaughter of sharks in Persian Gulf waters off Dubai.  Think twice, dear readers, because you haven’t! There’s something even more sinister and deadly to marine and non-marine life being experimented on nowadays in these waters – as well in other parts of the world. And it’s more unusual than orcas sinking ships off the southern coast of Spain.

Not long ago more than 150 dolphins died in the Hormuz Straits area. Local fishermen were suspected of slaughtering the dolphins to death, but Iranian authorities blamed the US and their “experiments.”

It’s dealing with ongoing experiments with the earth’s ionosphere; and these “experiments”  may have resulted in the killing of 152 dolphins in the Straits of Hormuz, off the Iranian town of Bandar Lenge, back in 2008. An Iranian fisherman was an eyewitness to this phenomenon that caused a “mini tornado” or waterspout to literally cause the sea to boil and turn blood red. Sounds like an event from the Bible.

Afterwords, a total of 152 Gulf dolphins  and large numbers of fish were found dead – literally burned to death by what appeared to be a ‘death ray’ from the sky.

dolphin death raySurviving dolphin tries to help mortally injured comrade

Very few of you have probably ever heard of the ongoing scientific atmospheric experiments known as HAARP or High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program, that began in the early 1990s and are still continuing today in various parts of the world.

The US government began these programs with the idea of being able to monitor and even control various world surveillance techniques, as well as improving atmospheric communications.

The main HAARP experiments are being carried out as a joint program by the US Air Force, US Navy, and the University of Alaska. The main experiments are performed at a site located near the town of Gakona, Alaska with the main purpose to study the earth’s ionosphere layer inn order “to understand and use it to enhance communications and surveillance systems for both civilian and defense purposes.”

dolphin death rayDolphin killings at the Hormuz Straits

What makes the unusual dolphin killings even more mysterious is that after this phenomena took place, a series of low level earth quakes measuring between 2 and 3 magnitude in size occurred in the area.

There are some theories that believe the power generated by this scientifically created “death rays” heats up sea water and causes the earth’s crust  plates to shift; thereby causing earthquakes.

The ongoing scientific experiments at the HAARP site in Gatnoa, Alaska, are kept quiet, and those wishing to visit the site are able to do so only on specially coordinated “open houses” which are conducted once annually. There is no visitor center at HAARP, even though the site managers say that HAARP is not a “classified” site.

Conducting scientific experiments with the earth’s atmosphere is not anything new, and has been going on for well over 130 years. Theories of obtaining energy from the electromagnetic radiation given by the sun were made known more than 80 years ago by scientists like Nikola Tesla, who believed that the sun’s electromagnetic radiation was a tremendous source of “free energy” and might one day solve most of the world’s energy problems. Unfortunately, as noted in a previous Green Prophet article, Tesla’s theories and experiments were disputed and literally hidden by energy companies who were afraid that they might take profits away from companies dependent on fossil fuels like oil and coal.

dolpin death rayWho was Nikola Tesla?

But “free energy” from the earth’s atmosphere was not the only thing that Nikola Tesla thought about. He also believed that this same tremendous force could be made into a “death ray” that would be so powerful and so destructive that it might frighten the nations of this planet to put an end to destructive warfare.

After all, if this “death ray”, in the form of a tornado like force can make sea water boil and kill marine life as it passes over, think what it could do to human beings. Perhaps Tesla’s innovations and theories have been finally accepted after all.

It may be possible that this terrible weapon has not been used yet for the fear of what this tremendous force could do. If it actually can make sea water boil (or create disastrous firestorms on dry land) it could cause a chain reaction of earthquakes and other destructive natural phenomena (like “mega storms” and tsunamis) that could become threatening to the existence of life on this planet – as we know it anyway. Scientific experimentation or “X-files” type of  paranormal phenomena?

You decide, dear reader.

Read more on threatened Gulf marine life and the phenomena of Tesla’s “death ray” experiments:
Dubai Marine Life at Risk After Devastating Shark Catch
Persian Gulf Mermaids Face Man Made Environmental Threats
Were Tesla’s Solar Innovations “Buried” by Big Oil?
25 Shark Species in Persian Gulf Need Urgent Protection

Jewish World to Rehabilitate Damaged Carmel Forest

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carmel forest fire israel burningCarmel fires at their height – “hell on earth”

Rehabilitation of the severely fire damaged Carmel Forest is one of main topics being discussed in the week long World Leadership Conference of Israel’s Jewish National Fund being held in Jerusalem. The annual conference for leaders in one of the country’s most important conservation and forestry organizations, will devote part of its agenda to reviewing plans to rehabilitate the Carmel Forest and mountain range, which was severely burnt by the massive wildfires which burned out of control for several days during the early part of December, 2010.

The GINK Manifesto: Childless, Proud and Loud

gink uterus flat stomachIf she’s a GINK, her uterus is officially closed for reproduction.

There’s a ‘dirty little’ secret that’s now coming to a green light in discussions around the sustainability cooler these days. Children, it turns out, do not guarantee happiness. In fact, the benefits of going childless are actually well documented, and in lieu of the impact of unfettered population growth on the planet, many notable environmentalists are touting the eco-sexy choice to not breed at all. They even have a name: GINKs as is Green Inclined, No Kids. Making love: Great for you and the planet. Making babies: Not so much… In her groundbreaking 2010 blog, “Say it loud: I’m childfree and I’m proud”, Grist writer Lisa Hymas (who we’ve interviewed on Green Prophet) is credited with coining the GINK manifesto. Hymas’ decisive ode to the importance of conscious choice documents the very real benefits of foregoing motherhood, beyond financial relief and increased levels of happiness.

Yiuco Marketplace for Handmade Upcycled, Recycled, or Reused Products

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"recycled plastic jewelry"Yiuco may be the Middle East’s greener Etsy.

Etsy, the global online store, has enjoyed great success due to the fact that it enables individuals to buy handmade, unique items from other individuals around the world with the click of a mouse.  It has even spurred what some people are calling the “Handmade Revolution” by encouraging people to buy handmade (as opposed to energy-guzzling machine-made) products.  Taking the site’s green message even further, eco-friendly vendors have emerged on Etsy and they sell upcycled, recycled, or otherwise resource-lite items.

While these trends have emerged on Etsy, they are not the online shop platform’s focus.  A new online marketplace – Yiuco – has popped up in Greece, though, and it strictly peddles the upcycled, recycled, and reused.

Foster + Partners Finish Gorgeous Green Building In Morocco

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Foster & Partners MorrocoThis beautiful dome-building from Foster & Partners is the first building the firm has completed in Africa.

We haven’t always loved Foster & Partners developments in the Middle East. Although they are visually spectacular, we often wonder at the true sustainability of buildings that cost millions of dollars to construct. But the first of three Moroccan projects commissioned by BMCE (Banque Marocaine du Commerce Exterieur) may be an exception.

Albeit no quaint mom-and-pop straw bale building, the bank is nonetheless slightly less flamboyant than other F&P projects. By incorporating several energy-saving and passive design elements, the firm has kept the building’s carbon footprint to a minimum, while relying extensively on local materials, craftsmanship, and design.

Natural Gas Line Bomb Averted

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A bombing attempt of the natural gas line that runs between Egypt, Israel and Jordan was averted today, according to the Associated Press. In Sinai, six gunmen targeted the natural gas pipeline that carries natural gas from Egypt to Israel and to Jordan. They overpowered a guard and planted a bomb, and then fled. Failing to detonate, the region was spared the need for having to burn, yet again, the much more polluting diesel fuel, as was the case last month when the line was bombed at another location.

Violence doesn’t only hurt people. It cripples the environment.

::AP

Must It Be “The End Of The Line” For Fish?

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the end of the lineIf we do not arrest the current rate of overfishing, our oceans could be depleted of fish by 2048.

Following Arwa’s recent blog on shark finning in the United Arab Emirates – a cruel and destructive practice that produces the so-called delicacy that is shark fin soup, and another story about the turtle that pooped plastic for a month, we’re relieved to offer a potential solution.

Like Al Gore’s The Inconvenient Truth, which enlightened millions about the dangers of global warming, The End of The Line has the power to educate the masses about our destructive fishing practices. Global Ocean will be screening the documentary throughout the UAE this May. Find out more about the film and Global Ocean after the jump.

Should You Breastfeed Your Baby After Exposure to Nuclear Radiation?

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Misawa Families Prepare for Voluntary Departure from Japan disaster zoneWhen caring for infants after any kind disaster breastfeeding is usually safest because of fears about water supplies.

Whenever there is an earthquake, flood or other large-scale disaster, the first concern is for the infants in the area. Rescue organizations rush to send infant formula to the area, but because access to clean water is usually limited the formula is useless. Continuing to breastfeed protects the baby from diseases that spread through a disaster area, and unnecessary weaning can cause problems if the supply of formula or clean water becomes unavailable. After Haiti, aid organizations are realizing that protecting the breastfeeding relationship and helping women return to breastfeeding (relactation) are the best means to save vulnerable infants.

Japan Radioactivity in Sea Water 1,250 Times Above Normal as Radiation Levels Approach Those of Chernobyl

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Japan’s PM Naoto Kan apologizes to his nation, and to the world, concerning radiation leakage at Fukushima reactors

Is the Japanese nuclear radiation crises getting better, or getting worse? It depends on who is reporting the ongoing events at the Fukushima nuclear reactors, which were heavily damaged by the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit offshore two weeks ago. The radiation leakage at the Fukushima reactors, which many are saying will have a serious affect on the world’s environment, is already having a catastrophic affect on Japan’s immediate environment, with indications of radiations levels even surpassing those of the 1986 nuclear accident in Chernobyl.

As Energy Demand Swells, Turkey Falls Dark for Earth Hour 2011

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Istanbul’s incandescent Bosphorus Bridge will join iconic structures around the world in turning off its lights for Earth Hour this year.

For the past four years, Istanbul’s majestic Bosphorus Bridge has been lit all night long by an LED display that consumes electricity at a rate of 90 kilowatts. (That’s roughly 400 megawatt-hours per year, which is approximately the amount of energy consumed by 200 average Turks, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.) But tonight, its glittering reflection will disappear from the Bosphorus — for one hour.

Cook Persian Fish Stew

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fish stewWhite fish stew is a healthier variation of meat stew and very tasty when treated Persian-style!

There are all kinds of delicious Middle East recipes to choose from on Green Prophet, but not so many from the Persian kitchen. Guest blogger Dave Bishop sent this in and we just had to share. A true Iranian delicacy, this stew livens up white fish with spinach, fenugreek, limes, and turmeric. Although it is possible to use a variety of white fish (preferably farmed or caught sustainably) Persian recipes typically call for sturgeon. It is also usually served with delicious, fluffy white rice, but wholegrain can be used as a substitute.

Persian Fish Stew – Gormh Sabzi Ba Mahi

Ingredients

4 tablespoons of red kidney beans
About 60 grams of butter(you can use a light butter alternative)
4 tablespoons of fresh parsley
2 leeks thinly sliced and thoroughly washed to remove any dirt residue
2 fresh limes (or 4 dried limes) cut in half
500g spinach thoroughly washed and chopped quite fine
3 sticks of celery thinly sliced
350ml of fresh fish stock is best, but bought ready stock is also ok
950g of fresh white fish – usually sturgeon or haddock – chopped
1 tablespoon of fresh fenugreek
2 teaspoons of turmeric
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons of salt
2 cups of rice.

Place the kidney beans in a good size pan, cover with lighty salted water and bring to the boil.

Simmer for one hour.

Melt the butter in a large saucepan, add the parsley, leeks, spinach, celery, and fenugreek, and sauté for a few minutes. Stir continuously.

Add the stock, stir well, cover and cook over a low heat for about 15 minutes.

Add the rice to a pan with 2/3 water and leave to boil at a medium heat with the pan lid on.

Add the limes and fish into the vegetable pan and continue cooking for around 30 minutes on a good heat until the fish skin is flaky.

Switch the rice off and leave with lid on to steam for 10 minutes or until the rice is ready.

When tender, drain the kidney beans and add to the stew. Add pepper, and more salt if needed.

Cook for a few more minutes and serve with the rice. Garnish with a little bit of parsley and your delicious Persian meal is complete. Enjoy!

More recipes from Green Prophet:

Eat The Whole Animal: Lamb’s Testicles

RECIPE: Potato Salad with Fresh Fava Beans

RECIPE: Artichoke Dip

image via Miriam Kresh

Poor Environmental Oversight Leads To Lebanon’s Mediterranean Kerosene Leak

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oil spill lebanonThis image is of a former oil spill in Lebanon

Despite the best-laid laws, lack of enforcement is a leading cause of preventable environmental hazards in the Middle East. Egypt regularly has oil spills in the Nile and the Red Sea because of lax regulations. This week’s kerosene spill off Lebanon’s eastern Mediterranean (already an apocalypse zone in places) was caused when a pipeline transfering kerosene to oil and gas companies leaked. Last year, the country’s environmental ministry found several companies in breach of environmental law, but The Daily Star reports that none were taken to account.

A Whirlwind Guide to Palestinian Guesthouses

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Get your fill of tasty, local food at the Sebastia Guesthouse in Palestine- one of many great guesthouses in Palestine

If you want to get off the beaten track, eat great food and meet locals in Palestine than a stay at a Palestinian guesthouse could be the thing for you. Rather than staying with huge, impersonal hotels that don’t connect with you or reflect your views, you could stay at a number of small guesthouses which support everything from Bedouins, women’s right, environmental conservation to community arts and culture.

A new website by Green Prophet’s very own eco-tourism guide Sarah Irving has been launched with a comprehensive list of guesthouses in Palestine. As Sarah points out, the guesthouses are important ways for the local communities to generate income and jobs, to build personal connections between diverse communities and also help tourists see a little bit more of the real Palestine.

Easyecar’s Martin Thomson Says Better Place EV Plan Problematic for Denmark

Denmark’s Thomson prefers “freedom of charge” over Better Place’s forced charging network

When the EV network builder Better Place launched their electric car battery exchange network in Denmark last month, not everyone was overly enthusiastic that the company’s unique system of  stations to exchange the special lithium ion battery pack with freshly charged ones would go over with the Danes. This is despite special tax incentives from the Danish government for purchasers of these cars.