Articles by Jess Zimmerman

Jess Zimmerman was the editor of Grist List.

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Economists: Every $1 of electricity from coal does $2 in damage to U.S.

We all knew coal is harmful -- we figured people just ignored that harm because of their profit margins. But according to the prestigious American Economic Review, harm from coal-fired electrical plants costs more than twice as much as the electricity they generate. All told, coal plants cause $53 billion in damage every year. And none of that even takes climate impacts into account.

Jess Zimmerman Energy
Wrestling baby bears stop traffic

This is why we have national parks, people: So there's one place in the country where "share the road" means "stop your damn car so baby bears can have a little tussle."

Jess Zimmerman Science
MythBusters weigh in on motorcycle emissions

You've probably heard that motorcycles are more fuel-efficient than cars, and therefore better for the environment. I mean, they're practically bikes, right? It sounds plausible, but how do you find out if it's really true? The same way you find out if ANYTHING is really true: Ask the MythBusters, obviously.

Jess Zimmerman Energy
How to care for your 6-foot Rick Perry chia head

If you have a spare $4,500 lying around, you can now own a Rick Perry chia head that's as tall as Rick Perry.

Jess Zimmerman Politics