Articles by Grist staff

You Can Call Them Algae

Marine “dead zones” on the rise around the world There are now at least 200 oxygen-starved “dead zones” in the world’s seas and oceans, a rise of more than a third over the past two years, the United Nations Environment Program announced yesterday. The algae blooms that suck up oxygen and cause dead zones — […]

The Bees’ Needs

Scientists worry about declining numbers of honeybees and other pollinators Researchers are warning of a significant population decline in species that together pollinate three-quarters of all flowering North American plants, including more than 90 commercial crops. A study released yesterday by the National Research Council indicates a “demonstrably downward” trend in populations of birds, bees, […]

Power Shift

E.U. launches action plan for reducing energy use The European Union has adopted an action plan for reducing energy use 20 percent by 2020, saying increased efficiency could save it $125 billion by that year. Under the plan, the 25-nation bloc will expand building energy-efficiency rules to apply to smaller structures, and develop binding minimum […]

Ice Vice, Baby

Iceland to resume commercial whaling despite international ban Iceland plans to resume commercial whaling for the first time in nearly 20 years, despite an international moratorium. Through August 2007, the government will permit whalers to harpoon 30 minke whales and nine endangered fin whales. Iceland’s Fisheries Ministry says there are 43,600 minkes and 25,800 fin […]