Climate change bill to be signed below the ocean

MALDIVES, Indian Ocean: In an effort to demonstrate legislation against climate change, President Mohamed Nasheed and his cabinet will sign a document underwater requesting reductions in carbon emissions. Nasheed, a certified diver, will also host a press conference under the ocean upon signing the bill. All cabinet ministers are participating except for one who has a medical condition that keeps him from diving. The Maldivian government will hold their dive on Oct. 24, the 350 International Day of Climate Change Action, reports BBC News. The Maldives archipelago and islands could face extinction due to climate change since 80 per cent of the region is less than one meter above sea level.

Birth control pill influences natural selection

LONDON, Great Britain: The birth control pill can explain why some women go for the pretty looks of men versus the machismo of others. In a study published in Trends in Ecology and Evolution medical journal, being on the pill can influence women’s attraction to certain types of men. Scientists found that women whose hormones are chemically controlled are less inclined to select muscular, macho men. Women on the pill tended to choose prettier, more effeminate men; men who tended to look more like the selective women. Reuters reported the results could throw off current conceptions of natural attraction. Being on the birth control pill prevents women from giving off fertility indicators to which men are receptive.

Zurich allows controversial anti-Islam posters

ZURICH, Switzerland: The Swiss People’s Party (SVP) has been allowed to post controversial posters advocating a ban on the construction of the distinctive minarets that adorn the tops of mosques. According to CNN, the SVP are saying the minarets symbolize ideological opposition to the country’s constitution. The posters depict a veiled woman in front of a large Swiss flag that is pierced by multiple minarets resembling missiles. The cities of Basel and Lausanne have condemned the campaign and have banned them in their municipalities. Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, has decided to permit the posters. According to the mayor, they fall within the realm of political free speech. Europe’s most neutral country will hold a national referendum on the minaret construction Nov. 29.

City offering financial incentive to pick up doggy doo

TAIPEI, Taiwan: The city of Taichung in central Taiwan is offering vouchers to volunteers willing to collect dog waste left lying around. City officials will give vouchers in the amount of 100 Taiwan dollars (US$3) for every kilogram of waste collected. In areas where there are severe problems, council is willing to pay a voucher for a half-kilogram. Taichung has an approximate population of one million citizens and a significant population of stray animals roam the city. The incentive is also intended to raise awareness about animal abandonment, reports Reuters. The island has a population of 23 million and an estimated 180,000 stray dogs.

Published in Volume 64, Number 7 of The Uniter (October 15, 2009)