Articles by Grist staff

Going Soft on Pollution

About 20 to 30 percent of adult men in China are suffering from impotence or other sexual problems, an escalating trend that may be attributable in large part to serious pollution, experts say. In an unrelated development, the Chinese government has unveiled an environmental plan with the aim of reducing pollution levels in the country […]

Party Favors

Germany’s Green Party, which has been sharing government power with the Social Democrats since 1998, is trying to advance environmental goals, but has also become more business-friendly of late. Party leaders still call for a nuclear phase-out, higher energy taxes to help combat global warming, and more eco-friendly transportation and technologies. And the Greens are […]

I'm Cuckoo for Cocoa

With help from the enviro group Rainforest Alliance, some farmers in Ecuador have pledged to grow cocoa without cutting down forestlands and earn the right to be labeled rainforest-friendly. Within a few weeks, the cocoa — the first to be so certified — will become available to U.S. manufacturers. Enviros say cocoa, like coffee, can […]

Cabinet Fever

Speculation is running rampant about whom George W. Bush or Al Gore might choose to fill Cabinet-level positions, and what the environmental ramifications would be. For the Interior secretary spot, it’s thought that Bush might go for Montana Gov. Marc Racicot (R) or Sen. Slade Gorton (R-Wash.), if Gorton loses his bid for reelection; Rep. […]