From the SN&R blogs.

The greenest tech of all

“Green” tech is the big buzzword these days, along with “green” jobs and a “green” economy. We all want a livable planet that still provides us with some modicum of a civilized life, and all the signs are pointing to a period of global climate change and depleted resources. Hence, the push for sustainability, whether it’s leaving our cars parked or putting up recycled denim insulation in SN&R’s new building.

But guess what the “greenest” technology of all is? Contraception.

Turns out that climate change, peak oil and depleted resources all have one thing in common: too freakin’ many people on the planet. And a recent report from the London School of Economics’ Optimum Population Trust says that every $7 spent on contraception will reduce carbon emissions by a ton. That same 1 ton reduction, achieved with other carbon-reduction technologies, would cost $32. The most recent report from the United Nations Population Fund says pretty much the same thing.

Gee. More resources available for everyone. Safer sex (which is always a good thing). More options for women, since the availability of contraception is closely tied to access to education. What’s not to like? Make love, use contraception and make the planet more livable!

Compiled from Kel’s Hot Flash.

Opposition growing in Uganda

It may be that things are looking up in Uganda. In spite of entrenched support for the “kill the gays” bill, cooler heads are speaking out against it. The Catholic archbishop of Uganda has made a statement against the bill, as did Secretary General Chris Opoka of the Uganda Peoples Congress, the main opposition party in the nation.

And the archbishop of York, Dr. John Sentamu (a native of Uganda), appeared on a BBC station to denounce the law. He described it as “not only victimizing but also a diminishment of the individuals concerned.” The Anglican Communion is a major church and a political force in Uganda.

Of course, many of the bill’s proponents were also on Ugandan television supporting it. You can see video at Box Turtle Bulletin, which is the go-to site for news on gay rights in Uganda.

Compiled from Kel’s Hot Flash.