Articles by Grist staff

Good Morning, Vietnam

Vietnam has quietly assumed a spot as the world’s third-largest coffee bean producer and exporter, behind Brazil and Columbia, but although success with the new crop has lifted many farmers out of poverty, it’s also taking a toll on the land. Forestland is being cleared for coffee production at such a quick pace that the […]

News Flash: Biz Doesn't Like Regulations

The Clinton administration on Friday proposed regulations that would disqualify companies with inconsistent records on federal environmental, labor, and tax laws from winning government contracts. The regulations now face a 120-day public review period, and the business community is mounting a major effort to stop the rules from taking effect. Congressional Republicans are siding with […]

Knock on Wood Trade

Vice Pres. Al Gore said on Friday that environmental and labor issues should be on the table at the World Trade Organization meeting of trade ministers to be held in Seattle, Wash., from November 30 to December 3. No matter what, enviros plan to make their voices heard during the meeting. Forest-protection activists have launched […]

New York Nixes Conservation Funding

In the wake of last week’s blackouts in New York City, which were propelled by surging energy use during the East Coast heat wave, enviros are stepping up pressure on the state to increase its funding for energy conservation. Reducing demand for electricity would lessen stress on an aging power system and cut down on […]