Italy bans the use of animals in circuses

Animal rights activists just won a huge victory in Italy. Animals soon won't be appearing in circus acts in the country, after the Italian Parliament signed legislation this month to ban animals in traveling shows and circuses. It's a big move, as there are an estimated 100 circuses with 2,000 animals in Italy. Related:

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/italy-bans-the-use-of-animals-in-circuses
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Red Mountain Retreat captures the essence of the rugged Icelandic landscape

The Red Mountain Retreat captures the mystique and mystery of the Icelandic landscapes. Johanners Torpe Studios designed the proposal for a spa and wellness retreat that offers an escape from the stresses of everyday life and provides stunning views of a nearby glacier. The resort is located on the Western peninsula of Snæfellsness, where the river meets the sea. It faces a majestic glacier covered stratovolcano and references old Icelandic tales that celebrate the union between man and...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/red-mountain-retreat-captures-the-essence-of-the-rugged-icelandic-landscape
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A "giant leap backward for humankind" as CO2 levels rise after years of stability

Researchers had hoped global carbon emissions had peaked after three stable years - but a new projection shatters those hopes. The Global Carbon Project and University of East Anglia revealed carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions could grow by two percent this year. Future Earth executive director Amy Luers described the news as a "giant leap backward for humankind." Related:

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/a-giant-leap-backward-for-humankind-as-co2-levels-rise-after-years-of-stability
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This rammed earth school in Ghana school cost only $13,976 to build

This amazing school in rural Ghana, built in only 60 days for 12000 Euros ($13,976), replaces the only school in the area which was destroyed by strong winds. Architects Andrea Tabocchini & Francesca Vittorini designed the non-profit project, named the InsideOut School, and built it together with the local community and volunteers from 20 different countries. The team had to work without electricity, which meant they had to build the structure by hand. They moved 58 000 kg of soil...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/this-rammed-earth-school-in-ghana-school-cost-only-13976-to-build
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Bill Gates buys a huge chunk of land in Arizona to create a 'smart city'

Bill Gates, recently dethroned as the world's richest person by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, has purchased 25,000 acres of land in the West Valley area of Arizona, only 45 minutes west of Phoneix, with the intent of building a high-tech "smart city" named Belmont. The purchase, made by an investment firm run by Gates, cost $80 million and will be developed along the proposed freeway I-11, which would connect Belmont to Las Vegas and other major hubs of the region. "Belmont will create a forward-thinking...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/bill-gates-buys-a-huge-chunk-of-land-in-arizona-to-create-a-smart-city
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7.3-magnitude earthquake hits Iran and Iraq, killing hundreds

More than 300 people are dead after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake yesterday. The quake, which struck the northern border region of Iran and Iraq, killed hundreds of people in Iran and at least six people in Iraq. The United Nations estimated around 1.8 million people reside within 60 miles of the earthquake's epicenter. Related: Via Reuters and the BBC Images via

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/7-3-magnitude-earthquake-hits-iran-and-iraq-killing-hundreds
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One Bitcoin transaction takes more energy than a household uses in a week

Although Bitcoin has suffered a dramatic fall in value over the past several days, those who hold the cryptocurrency have enjoyed a 2017 year that has taken Bitcoin's value to new heights. With its increased value comes an increased strain on energy consumption. According to cryptocurrency analyst Alex de Vries, also known as Digiconomist, it would be profitable to use 24 terawatt-hours of electricity, about the equivalent annual energy consumption to Nigeria, a nation of 186 million, to "mine"...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/one-bitcoin-transaction-takes-more-energy-than-a-household-uses-in-a-week
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