Latest Articles

What can China teach us about electric bikes?

In part 2, I described the extraordinary growth of electric bikes in China, which grew from novelty items in 1998 to almost one e-bike per ten people today. What caused this growth? What can we learn from China about overcoming the Northwest’s four barriers to e-bikes? The economic context of e-bikes is radically different in […]

Open letter to Sens. Kerry, Graham, and Lieberman: a bipartisan path forward on energy and climate

Sens. Kerry, Graham, and Lieberman, Thank you for the work you’re doing to to address America’s climate and energy challenges. As you meet with a broader group of stakeholders and begin to structure a bill, you face an enormous challenge of your own: crafting legislation that can get 60 votes in a fractured and somewhat […]

A water commons clash in the coliseum

The battle to preserve water as a common good takes to the Roman streets this weekend. As you turn on the tap to hydrate yourself today, please take a moment to think of our Italian colleagues fighting to overturn the water-privatizing Ronchi law.

Coalfield protesters want to know when EPA chief will visit Appalachia

Protesters locked themselves to 20-foot purple mountains outside the EPA.Photo: Rainforest Action NetworkRisking arrest, activists from the besieged Appalachian coalfield regions and their supporters from across the country have set up and locked themselves to two 20-foot purple mountains majesties in front of Lisa Jackson’s office at the EPA headquarters in Washington, D.C., to call […]

Outline of Kerry-Graham-Lieberman appears to hew to Obama’s clean energy principles

Cross-posted from the Wonk Room. Photo: Wonk RoomDetails of the comprehensive green economy legislation being negotiated by a bipartisan trio of senators are leaking out, as draft language nears completion. In a meeting yesterday with a coalition of industry lobbyists, Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), and Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) unveiled an […]

Featured Friend: Heidi Pickman

Each month, we showcase one of our beloved Friends with Benefits — folks who have donated to support our work. Want to take your relationship with Grist to the next level? Just donate any amount to join the fun.  Heidi Pickman “Climate change is one of THE most important issues of our time, trumping health care as […]

Ask Umbra’s pearls of wisdom on Bruce Willis

Dearest readers, Do you know what today is? Why, yes, smarty pants, it is Friday, March 19, but more to the point, do you know what momentous occasion occurred on this date 55 years ago? Indeed, my speedy Googlers, Bruce Willis’ birth! And to honor the day that brought us the star of such gems […]

Why environmentalists should get involved in immigration reform

How many enviros can you spot in this picture?Photo: Salina CanizalesI grew up in a family that sorted recyclables, reused containers until they were no longer reusable, and walked whenever and wherever we could. We turned off our lights and carefully monitored our energy consumption. We made sure that we didn’t leave the water running, […]

A Happy Meal still looks ‘fresh’ on its first birthday

A newborn Happy Meal.Joann BrusoHappy birthday to you, you look just like new. A year later you can’t tell, and the fries still don’t smell. Happy birthday, dear Happy Meal, happy birthday to you! This is what a Happy Meal looks like before — and after — Joann Bruso put it on her shelf for […]

Stealing home: James Hansen’s audacious battle to save the planet

My gut reaction to all new sustainable business and climate change books is: “Eck. Get me some Percocet and vodka.” I already know what they’re going to say: the business books say green is green, sustainability is profitable, and here are some examples. The climate book says we are hosed, and we are going to […]