Spike Johnson

Founded in 1999, Grist is a beacon in the smog — an independent, irreverent news outlet and network of innovators working toward a planet that doesn’t burn and a future that doesn’t suck.Climate, sustainability, and social justice are the most important stories on the … well, on the planet right now. The stakes are high: just, you know, our entire frickin’ future. And it’s easy to despair when denial, delay, and doom dominate the headlines.But that’s not the whole story, and it never will be. At Grist, we find reasons for hope and optimism every day — while also irritating and shaming those who stand in the way of progress. Our independent, nonprofit newsroom pursues in-depth stories on under-covered topics like <a href="https://grist.org/climate-energy/">clean energy</a>, <a href="https://grist.org/food/">sustainable food</a>, <a href="https://grist.org/cities/">livable cities</a>, <a href="https://grist.org/justice/">environmental justice</a>, and a <a href="https://grist.org/tag/better-economy/">better economy</a>. We elevate solutions, expose inequity, and give our readers the context, knowledge, and tools to make a difference.Our new venture, Fix, is taking the next step toward achieving a more just and sustainable future. Each year we feature the most promising green innovators and influencers in our annual <a href="https://grist.org/grist-50/2018/">Grist 50</a>. Then we bring this unexpected network together to spur conversations and collaborations. Technologists, activists, artists, politicians, storytellers — their integrated skills and connected goals are what we need right now.Our mantra these days: Don’t freak out. Figure it out.Where, you might ask, do we find this boundless energy and enthusiasm? Turns out, with the right team and plenty of reader support, they are renewable resources! Grist was founded in 1999 as one of the nation’s first online-only publications, covering serious topics without taking ourselves too seriously. TIME magazine <a href="http://content.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1730759_1731034,00.html">calls Grist</a> “the Colbert Report of climate change … except with real reporting and analytical journalism.”Today our publication brings you <a href="https://grist.org/tag/cover-story/">incisive weekly features</a> and a <a href="https://grist.org/briefly/">daily digest</a> of news you shouldn’t miss, while <a href="https://grist.org/opinion/">providing a forum</a> for green advocates, influencers, and diverse voices that need to be heard. Have you met our long-running advice columnist <a href="https://grist.org/ask-umbra/">Ask Umbra</a>? She’s <a href="https://grist.org/living/ask-umbra-i-cant-get-off-the-floor-what-do-i-do/">had a makeover</a> to highlight civic engagement and community action (important stuff in the age of Trump). We’re a founding member of the <a href="https://grist.org/tag/climate-desk/">Climate Desk</a>, sharing stories from some of America’s leading publications. And we produce award-worthy <a href="https://grist.org/video/">explainer videos</a> that dig deep into important topics with wit and a wink.

Grist

A shrimp boat out to sea.

Growing Food, Sowing Trouble

Gulf shrimpers fight for their livelihoods in a fertilizer-fueled dead zone

A couple embrace during a protest in Trafalgar Square, London, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. They are demanding the release of all hostages allegedly taken by the militant group Hamas.

Sacred Nation

'A link with my ancestors': Britons reconnect with Jewish roots for EU passports

The border between Belarus and Latvia is about 100 miles long and is partially separated by a fence monitored by border officers.

Migration

A migrant crisis at the Latvia-Belarus border

Xhosa boys undergoing ulwaluko, one of three rituals covered in the study.

Lifestyle & Belief

Ubuntu offers lessons in how to treat people with disabilities – a study of Bomvana rituals

Israeli soldiers carry a stretcher toward a helicopter near the border with Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023. 

Israel-Hamas war

Israel and Hamas reach temporary ceasefire agreement

Arts, Culture & Media

The first Cuban tres players at Berklee

Activists from the Standing Together Movement play drums at a demonstration.

Standing Together leaders discuss attempts to open Jewish-Arab dialogue amid Gaza war

Pussy Riot feminist activist collective, from left to right, Alina Petrova, Diana Burkot, Masha Alyokhina, Olga Borisova.

Protest

A conversation with Russian protest group Pussy Riot

Trucks carrying humanitarian aid enter Gaza Strip from Egypt in Rafah as a temporary ceasefire went into effect, Nov. 24, 2023.

'We're bracing for what comes after' the truce, MSF Gaza director says

Environment

Confidence in UN climate talks at a low point ahead of COP28 in Dubai 

A few days after the deadly Hamas attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, Palestinians in the West Bank say they faced extreme harassment and threats. 

West Bank rocked by increased violence, displacement amid Israel-Hamas war

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Every morning, the editorial team at public radio’s international news show The World meets to plan what they'll cover that day.  Want to see what's on deck? 

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