Articles by Grist staff

Left and Fright

Is there a place for fear in environmentalism? Fear: it’s as American as freedom fries these days, and the Right isn’t afraid to manipulate you with it. Anger and fear are good motivators, like it or not, and violence is oft cited as effectively “sending a message.” Should environmentalists be focusing more energies on scare […]

The Big Seep

Global warming could lead to release of more methane from seafloor A warming ocean could release more of the potent greenhouse gas methane in a vicious cycle that leads to more warming, says a new report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Petroleum and methane seep consistently from small cracks in the […]

David Benton, head of the Marine Conservation Alliance, answers questions

David Benton. With what environmental organization are you affiliated? I’m executive director of the Marine Conservation Alliance, based in Juneau, Alaska. What does your organization do? MCA is a nonprofit organization established by the Alaska seafood industry that promotes sustainable fishing. America has an increasing appetite for healthy seafood, but we must be sure that […]

A Ploy Named Sue

With feds asleep at the wheel, states sue to protect air and water Frustrated by federal inaction, states and localities are increasingly suing companies and even each other in attempts to curb air and water pollution. Oklahoma, for instance, has filed suit against eight companies that operate chicken farms in neighboring Arkansas, charging that farm […]