Articles by Grist staff

Environmental crimes rampant and under-investigated, report says

Environmental crimes such as illegal logging, trade in endangered species, illegal fishing, and trade in banned refrigerants are rampant and growing, according to a report from the nonprofit Environmental Investigation Agency. Organized-crime networks are raking in over $10 billion a year through commission of environmental crimes, and national and international police organizations are doing little […]

Snippets from the news

• Forest disappearance hurts economy more than banking crisis, says study. • Americans still driving less despite cheaper gas. • Bailout bill includes tax break for bikers. • Pollock declines could affect biggest North American fishery. • Papua being cleared for palm oil. • Climate change sends tropical species uphill. • Beijing will ban half […]

California prison system introduces conservation measures

Woe to California inmates whose lunches don’t agree with them: As part of a conservation program in the state-prison system, at least one prison has introduced a water-saving measure that makes toilets temporarily unflushable if they’re flushed three times in five minutes. As for what else the prisons are doo-ing: A partnership with the state’s […]

Oceangoing ships face strict new pollution rules

Observers hoping for an epic pirate battle at the latest meeting of the International Maritime Organization were disappointed yesterday, when the group quietly and without controversy passed landmark restrictions on pollution emitted by oceangoing vessels. By July 2010, the 300,000 ships that travel the world’s seas must cut the sulfur content of the fuel they […]