Articles by Grist staff

Controversial Alaska gold mine tiptoes forward

If Alaska’s proposed Pebble Gold Mine goes forward, it could be North America’s largest mine. It would necessitate the construction of the biggest dam in the world — right at the headwaters of the world’s largest sockeye salmon fishery. Environmentalists and commercial fishers are up in arms about the project; mining companies Northern Dynasty Minerals […]

Up to six giraffe species may exist — and some are endangered, says study

The long-held assumption that the giraffe is a single species may be incorrect, says a new study in the journal BMC Biology. Researchers may have identified at least six separate species. Unfortunately, that means that “some of these giraffe populations number only a few hundred individuals and need immediate protection,” says lead author David Brown. […]

China releases energy white paper, plans to boost renewables R&D

China has released its first-ever white paper on energy policy, stating that the country “attaches great importance to environmental protections and prevention of global climate change” and plans to give “top priority to developing renewable energy” as a long-term pollution solution. That includes wind, solar, natural gas, and nuclear, as well as a continuation of […]

Norway will ban mercury

Come Jan. 1, Norway will completely ban mercury in manufacturing, imports, and exports. “Mercury is among the most dangerous pollutants. Good alternatives to mercury exist already and it is therefore right to introduce this ban,” says Environment Minister Erik Solheim, with due formality. Norway’s standards exceed that of the European Union, which will ban mercury […]