Articles by Grist staff

That’s Owl, Folks

Spotted Owl Remains Threatened Remember the northern spotted owl? Caused a bit of a fuss about a decade ago? According to a comprehensive, federally funded review of the available science, the world’s most studied bird still faces dire threats. While the 1994 Northwest Forest Plan sharply curtailed logging in the old-growth forests that serve as […]

Less Power to ’em

Blackout Had Dramatic Air-Quality Effect Last summer’s power outage in the U.S. Northeast was an economic disaster, but according to researchers it had one happy consequence: The air became, almost overnight, remarkably cleaner. The blackout saw over 100 power plants shut down on August 14. On August 15, 24 hours into the blackout, a group […]

Gulf Streaming Media

Distributed Computer Simulation of Catastrophic Global Warming Spreads Lots of folks who saw the recent global warming blockbuster “The Day After Tomorrow” have what might charitably be called uncertainties about the veracity of the science behind the plot. Now, in the U.K., a consortium of universities and the Met Office (weather and environmental services) are […]

EPA chief Mike Leavitt hits the swing states

Leavitt, alone. Photo: U.S. EPA. Have a look at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Mike Leavitt‘s calendar over the last several months and you’ll notice that it appears to be in lockstep with the Karl Rove playbook. “I’d hardly call it coincidence,” said Beth Viola, a leading environmental strategist for the Kerry campaign, “that after […]