Articles by Grist staff

Particulate pollution linked to blood clots in legs, study says

Exposure to small particulate pollution can increase the risk of blood clots forming in the legs, according to a new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. “It is well-established that air pollution causes myocardial infarction [heart attack] and stroke,” said Andrea Baccarelli, who led the study. “This is the first time that anyone […]

Snippets from the news

• England’s plan for eco-towns meets grassroots revolt. • Don’t lick your TV — it’s covered with toxic dust. • British Columbia will adopt California’s tailpipe standards. • Japan favors cutting emissions by up to 80 percent by 2050. • States trump local opposition to renewable energy at home. • Canada turns on to green-collar […]

Transit ridership up across U.S.

Transit ridership has jumped across the U.S. as folks get tired of paying at the pump. From January to March, transit ridership jumped 10 percent in Boston, 8 percent in both Los Angeles and Denver, and 7.2 percent in the Twin Cities. In Philadelphia, transit ridership in March 2008 was up 11 percent from March […]

Fast facts about cities, climate change, and sustainability

Less than 1: Percent of the earth’s surface covered by cities (1) 75: Percent of global energy consumed by cities (2) 80: Percent of global greenhouse-gas emissions contributed by cities (1) 6.7 billion: World population in 2007 (3) 50: Percent of world population expected to live in urban areas by the end of 2008 (3) […]