Articles by Grist staff

Over 2 trillion tons of land ice melted in Arctic since 2003

Over 2 trillion tons of land ice melted in the Arctic in the past five years, according to the space agency NASA, together raising global sea levels by one-fifth of an inch. “The best estimates are that sea levels will rise about 18 to 36 inches by the end of the century, but because of […]

New energy chief’s enthusiasm for cellulosic ethanol makes me uncomfortable

"World demand for transportation fuels is growing fast, and biofuels have a major role to play in meeting that demand. That’s why BP is investing in a range of biofuels-related activities around the world, all aimed at bringing biofuels into the mainstream by making them more widely available to motorists." — From a BP press […]

Thoughts on Obama’s USDA pick

"Tom understands that the solution to our energy crisis will be found not in oil fields abroad but in our farm fields here at home," Barack Obama declared Wednesday, hailing his pick for USDA chief, former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack. "That’s the kind of leader I want in my Cabinet." Great. Rather than an advocate […]

Brushing aside pressure, Obama taps a big-ag man as USDA chief

"Tom Vilsack was one of the first governors to see the promise of biotechnology. He has a very balanced view of agriculture and understands its potential." — Ted Crosbie, vice president of global plant breeding and director of Monsanto’s Iowa operations "Governor Vilsack would be an outstanding choice for Secretary of Agriculture. He would bring […]