Articles by Grist staff

Who Needs Enforcement When Things Are Going So Well?

U.S. EPA doesn’t employ enough eco-cops, memo says The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is reportedly violating a law that requires it to employ at least 200 criminal investigators. The agency has 174 eco-cops on board — some of whom are pulled off duty to guard EPA head Stephen Johnson when he travels. Because … eco-crimes […]

Driver Education

Ground-level ozone could be important factor in climate change If you’ve spent time proudly mastering the difference between ground-level ozone and climate change, prepare to be flummoxed: the two issues appear to be linked. According to a study in Nature, ground-level ozone damages plants, affecting their ability to absorb carbon dioxide, which allows more CO2 […]

Now That’s Density

British government plans new eco-towns, flood-plain development The British government announced plans this week to build 2 million new homes by 2016, including five carbon-neutral “eco-towns” of at least 5,000 homes each. Each green town will have public transportation to existing cities, favor green space and walkability, include 30 to 50 percent affordable housing, and […]

Court upholds ban on kangaroo-hide sneaks

A California Supreme Court decision Monday upheld a 36-year-old ban on the import and sale of products made from various wildlife species — specifically soccer, rugby, and baseball shoes made by defendant Adidas. The decision was hailed by animal rights groups for setting a precedent allowing states to protect species that the federal government no […]