Latest Articles

Solar power’s 'nasty little secret' isn’t nasty or secret

A solar insider reveals that "solar panels don't work well." But this ill-timed and inaccurate charge could be just a ploy to boost his own business.

A positive energy vision for the future, from Amory Lovins

For inspiration on the energy front, RMI's new project, Reinventing Fire, offers an ambitiously positive plan for energy independence.

Are we in a solar trade war with China?

Concerns about China's support of domestic solar companies have been brewing for years. But they have finally come to a boiling point -- and it's causing some in the solar industry to feel burned.

Good menhaden are hard to find

The Atlantic population of these tiny but important fish is under dire threat -- and the repercussions for entire ecosystems are vast. Will the commission tasked with protecting them bump up conservation efforts in time?

Liz Dunn finds silver linings in old buildings

Demolishing neighborhoods is insane, argues urban activist Liz Dunn, when the numbers show that refurbishing existing buildings makes more green sense

Don't worry, Stephen Colbert, your school lunch potatoes are safe

The risk that potatoes might be restricted in school lunches sent Stephen Colbert into a twitching, shouting anxiety spiral. But all is well, Stephen -- your tater tots will remain unmolested! The Senate voted down a measure that would have limited starchy vegetables to one cup per student per week. ("Starchy vegetables" includes corn. Just saying.)

Heat from cities barely affects global warming

One of the many arguments that deniers rely on to pooh-pooh climate change is the prevalence of the “urban heat island” effect, i.e. the tendency for cities to absorb and retain heat. The problem’s not gas-belching cars and factories, it’s all those city-dwelling lefties! But according to a new study from Stanford University, there's just no possible way that cities are causing global warming, at least not on the same scale that greenhouse-gas emissions are.

At most 4 percent of "gross global warming since the Industrial Revolution" can be traced back to urban heat island, the study found. Greenhouse gases are responsible for 79 percent. So, if you live in a city, don't sweat it! If you've commuted for 1.5 hours in a car for the past two decades, maybe sweat it.

The study also contained some bad news about white roofs.

Haute cuisine gone green: James Beard Foundation focuses on sustainability

Do the James Beard Foundation's new sustainability awards signal a change for the better in the culinary world, a new form of food greenwashing, or something in between?

Occupy Catan

Let's not forget the importance of land use and resource allocation.

Tell us how to Occupy Grist

Occupy Wall Street could be the first step towards a saner, smarter future -- and Grist is there with you to help make sense of it.