Joseph Winters
@jbwinters.bsky.social
staff writer covering plastics, greenwashing, and more for @grist.org. (he/him). views my own.
Consensus decision-making is considered the "poison pill" that's stalled U.N. climate talks for decades. Is there a better way? @grist.org grist.org/cop30/un-cli...
UN climate talks are built on consensus. That's part of the problem.
At COP, the requirement that countries find consensus before taking action has stalled climate progress for decades. Experts say there's a better way.
grist.org
November 10, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Consensus decision-making is considered the "poison pill" that's stalled U.N. climate talks for decades. Is there a better way? @grist.org grist.org/cop30/un-cli...
Reposted by Joseph Winters
Big Oil's cheerleaders (yes, including THAT John Yoo) are taking to right wing outlets to beg the Supreme Court to kill climate deception lawsuits.
The fossil fuel industry is terrified of these cases.
They knew, they lied, and communities deserve their day in court to hold them accountable.
The fossil fuel industry is terrified of these cases.
They knew, they lied, and communities deserve their day in court to hold them accountable.
October 2, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Big Oil's cheerleaders (yes, including THAT John Yoo) are taking to right wing outlets to beg the Supreme Court to kill climate deception lawsuits.
The fossil fuel industry is terrified of these cases.
They knew, they lied, and communities deserve their day in court to hold them accountable.
The fossil fuel industry is terrified of these cases.
They knew, they lied, and communities deserve their day in court to hold them accountable.
In The Long Heat, Wim Carton and Andreas Malm offer a tour of the climate "solutions" on offer when society refuses to reduce GHG emissions in the near term. Check out my write-up of the duo's "Marxist IPCC report of a readable nature." @grist.org grist.org/culture/clim...
So many climate solutions, so few emissions reductions. A new book explains why.
In The Long Heat, Wim Carton and Andreas Malm argue that capitalism has turned the climate crisis into a business opportunity.
grist.org
October 1, 2025 at 3:50 PM
In The Long Heat, Wim Carton and Andreas Malm offer a tour of the climate "solutions" on offer when society refuses to reduce GHG emissions in the near term. Check out my write-up of the duo's "Marxist IPCC report of a readable nature." @grist.org grist.org/culture/clim...
Philadelphia filed an extremely thorough lawsuit on Wed against SC Johnson (Ziploc) and Bimbo Bakeries over claims that their plastic bags are recyclable, accusing the companies of engaging in a "coordinated campaign of deception." @grist.org grist.org/accountabili...
A ‘coordinated campaign of deception’: Philly sues 2 companies over misleading recycling labels
The lawsuit targets SC Johnson, owner of Ziploc bags, and Bimbo Bakeries, the country's biggest bread and snack food manufacturer.
grist.org
September 26, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Philadelphia filed an extremely thorough lawsuit on Wed against SC Johnson (Ziploc) and Bimbo Bakeries over claims that their plastic bags are recyclable, accusing the companies of engaging in a "coordinated campaign of deception." @grist.org grist.org/accountabili...
In Pennsylvania, a plastics company has agreed to continuously monitor its stormwater and wastewater outflows for tiny plastic "nurdles" — and pay up if any of the pellets are detected. Green groups are hopeful that this will become standard practice. @grist.org grist.org/solutions/pl...
This Pennsylvania settlement could set the standard for preventing tiny plastic pellet pollution
A company agreed to install technology to watch for "nurdles," tiny plastic pellets used to make all manner of goods.
grist.org
September 16, 2025 at 5:12 PM
In Pennsylvania, a plastics company has agreed to continuously monitor its stormwater and wastewater outflows for tiny plastic "nurdles" — and pay up if any of the pellets are detected. Green groups are hopeful that this will become standard practice. @grist.org grist.org/solutions/pl...
A new report from @newclimate.bsky.social finds little corporate support for durable CO2 removal, which is needed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees C. Those that are investing in the technology aren't doing so in conjunction with deep emissions cuts. @grist.org grist.org/accountabili...
Report: Big businesses are doing carbon dioxide removal all wrong
The technology is needed to limit global warming. But corporations are supporting it in lieu of emissions reductions.
grist.org
September 9, 2025 at 3:16 PM
A new report from @newclimate.bsky.social finds little corporate support for durable CO2 removal, which is needed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees C. Those that are investing in the technology aren't doing so in conjunction with deep emissions cuts. @grist.org grist.org/accountabili...
There is only enough safe underground storage space for 1,460 Gt of CO2, according to new research in the journal Nature. This is an order of magnitude less than previous estimates, and only enough to cut global warming by 0.4-0.7 degrees C, not 6 degrees. @grist.org grist.org/science/carb...
How much carbon can we safely store underground? Much less than previously thought.
Carbon storage “can no longer be considered an unlimited solution to bring our climate back to a safe level.”
grist.org
September 3, 2025 at 3:41 PM
There is only enough safe underground storage space for 1,460 Gt of CO2, according to new research in the journal Nature. This is an order of magnitude less than previous estimates, and only enough to cut global warming by 0.4-0.7 degrees C, not 6 degrees. @grist.org grist.org/science/carb...
Another round of plastics treaty negotiations hamstrung by the search for consensus. "Every day, our oceans and ecosystems and communities are suffering from the consequences of our inability to make decisive and unified actions." @grist.org grist.org/internationa...
'Consensus kills ambition': UN plastics treaty talks end without an agreement
Procedural hurdles once again foil progress on a global agreement to end plastic pollution.
grist.org
August 15, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Another round of plastics treaty negotiations hamstrung by the search for consensus. "Every day, our oceans and ecosystems and communities are suffering from the consequences of our inability to make decisive and unified actions." @grist.org grist.org/internationa...
Great video from artist Benjamin Von Wong about protecting human health through the U.N. plastics treaty: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pYl...
" I thought about having kids " - #plasticstreaty
YouTube video by VonWong
www.youtube.com
August 14, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Great video from artist Benjamin Von Wong about protecting human health through the U.N. plastics treaty: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pYl...
Will the U.N. plastics treaty prioritize human health? Scientists say it must, but oil-producing countries are lobbying against mandatory protections. @grist.org grist.org/health/un-pl...
Health was supposed to be central to the UN plastics treaty. Now it’s up for debate.
Despite strong evidence that plastics are harmful to people, oil-producing countries oppose action on human health.
grist.org
August 14, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Will the U.N. plastics treaty prioritize human health? Scientists say it must, but oil-producing countries are lobbying against mandatory protections. @grist.org grist.org/health/un-pl...
The plastics crisis has gotten so bad that "the ability of future generations to enjoy a toxic-free environment conducive to a life w/ dignity is now compromised." Here's why legal experts are increasingly referring to plastic pollution as a human rights issue. @grist.org grist.org/equity/un-pl...
Plastic pollution is toxic and everywhere. Now, legal experts say it’s a human rights violation.
This week, they’re advocating for a U.N. treaty to safeguard people’s basic rights.
grist.org
August 13, 2025 at 4:23 PM
The plastics crisis has gotten so bad that "the ability of future generations to enjoy a toxic-free environment conducive to a life w/ dignity is now compromised." Here's why legal experts are increasingly referring to plastic pollution as a human rights issue. @grist.org grist.org/equity/un-pl...
Reposted by Joseph Winters
Since we are all affected by the microplastics everywhere, the least that should be done is to ban the known toxic chemicals in some plastics. Right now the plastics treaty is being negotiated and the Trump Administration is on the wrong side of history.
Opinion | Two Words: Plastics Treaty
www.nytimes.com
August 7, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Since we are all affected by the microplastics everywhere, the least that should be done is to ban the known toxic chemicals in some plastics. Right now the plastics treaty is being negotiated and the Trump Administration is on the wrong side of history.
Over the past 3+ years of plastics treaty negotiations, art has communicated plastics' connection to fossil fuels, the health impacts of plastic pollution, and the need to curb plastic production. This was a fun one to write! @grist.org grist.org/culture/plas...
The art of a plastics treaty: How sculptures, collages, and poetry have influenced global talks
As countries try to find agreement on plastic pollution, creative interventions are turning heads — and turning the conversation to health harms, fossil fuels, and false solutions.
grist.org
August 12, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Over the past 3+ years of plastics treaty negotiations, art has communicated plastics' connection to fossil fuels, the health impacts of plastic pollution, and the need to curb plastic production. This was a fun one to write! @grist.org grist.org/culture/plas...
I've been in Geneva since Friday covering the sixth round of negotiations over the U.N. plastics treaty, and I've put together some resources to explain what it's all about!
1/ Starting with these 6 charts that explain the plastics crisis @grist.org grist.org/internationa...
1/ Starting with these 6 charts that explain the plastics crisis @grist.org grist.org/internationa...
The global plastics crisis explained in 6 charts
Research shows the extent of plastic pollution today — and why the U.N. is negotiating a treaty to keep it from getting worse.
grist.org
August 12, 2025 at 4:22 PM
I've been in Geneva since Friday covering the sixth round of negotiations over the U.N. plastics treaty, and I've put together some resources to explain what it's all about!
1/ Starting with these 6 charts that explain the plastics crisis @grist.org grist.org/internationa...
1/ Starting with these 6 charts that explain the plastics crisis @grist.org grist.org/internationa...
Reposted by Joseph Winters
We have a real problem with people in important positions spouting absolute nonsense. Human-caused climate change threatens the continued orderly development of human civilization. That’s the truth.
Good god, so much of this is just straightforwardly false. Incredible amount of bullshit in such a short space.
Climate change is a by-product of progress, not an existential crisis, says Trump’s energy czar
Chris Wright argues that most green energy policies bring only exclusion and scarcity
www.economist.com
July 19, 2025 at 7:09 PM
We have a real problem with people in important positions spouting absolute nonsense. Human-caused climate change threatens the continued orderly development of human civilization. That’s the truth.
Reposted by Joseph Winters
Rich countries are exporting plastic to poor countries in the form of “refuse-derived fuel." @jbwinters.bsky.social reports in @grist.org:
Yuyun Ismawati shared, “If we are going to deal with plastic waste through RDF, then … everybody must be willing to learn more about what’s in it.”
Yuyun Ismawati shared, “If we are going to deal with plastic waste through RDF, then … everybody must be willing to learn more about what’s in it.”
This fuel is 50% plastic — and it’s slipping through a loophole in international waste law
Environmental groups are concerned that rich countries are exporting plastic to poor countries in the form of “refuse-derived fuel.”
grist.org
July 15, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Rich countries are exporting plastic to poor countries in the form of “refuse-derived fuel." @jbwinters.bsky.social reports in @grist.org:
Yuyun Ismawati shared, “If we are going to deal with plastic waste through RDF, then … everybody must be willing to learn more about what’s in it.”
Yuyun Ismawati shared, “If we are going to deal with plastic waste through RDF, then … everybody must be willing to learn more about what’s in it.”
A new study in Nature estimates there are 27 million metric tons of nanoplastic in the North Atlantic Ocean alone, and that these invisible plastic particles make up a greater fraction of marine plastic pollution than micro or macroplastics. @grist.org grist.org/science/ocea...
The oceans may contain much, much more plastic than previously thought
A new study finds there are 27 million metric tons of invisible plastic particles in the North Atlantic alone.
grist.org
July 11, 2025 at 4:11 PM
A new study in Nature estimates there are 27 million metric tons of nanoplastic in the North Atlantic Ocean alone, and that these invisible plastic particles make up a greater fraction of marine plastic pollution than micro or macroplastics. @grist.org grist.org/science/ocea...
Green groups have described Trump's domestic policy megabill as “historically ruinous” and “a self-inflicted tragedy for our country.” Trump is expected to sign it into law tomorrow evening. @grist.org grist.org/politics/a-s...
‘A self-inflicted tragedy’: Congress approves reversal of US climate policy
Once Trump signs the megabill, the country will no longer have a federal plan to address the climate crisis.
grist.org
July 3, 2025 at 10:19 PM
Green groups have described Trump's domestic policy megabill as “historically ruinous” and “a self-inflicted tragedy for our country.” Trump is expected to sign it into law tomorrow evening. @grist.org grist.org/politics/a-s...
The executive branch and the Supreme Court “are exhibiting extraordinary hostility to actions on climate change at a time when the planet is burning. ... It’s a pretty depressing story overall.” @grist.org grist.org/justice/supr...
The Supreme Court just ended its term. Here are the decisions that will affect climate policy.
Experts say the most impactful decisions have enabled the Trump administration to gut the federal workforce and freeze funding.
grist.org
July 1, 2025 at 10:29 PM
The executive branch and the Supreme Court “are exhibiting extraordinary hostility to actions on climate change at a time when the planet is burning. ... It’s a pretty depressing story overall.” @grist.org grist.org/justice/supr...
The Trump administration is rescinding the Roadless Rule — a 2001 policy limiting the construction of roads in national forests — “to reduce wildfire risk.” Experts say that’s a pretense to increase timber extraction. @grist.org grist.org/wildfires/wi...
The Trump administration claims roads in forests prevent wildfires. Researchers disagree.
Experts say repealing the "Roadless Rule" won't help stop fires, but it will help loggers.
grist.org
June 28, 2025 at 2:39 PM
The Trump administration is rescinding the Roadless Rule — a 2001 policy limiting the construction of roads in national forests — “to reduce wildfire risk.” Experts say that’s a pretense to increase timber extraction. @grist.org grist.org/wildfires/wi...
New research in the journal Science shows that when you outlaw or discourage the sale of plastic bags, fewer of them end up as litter on beaches. @grist.org grist.org/science/plas...
Science says plastic bag bans really do work
A new study finds that outlawing or taxing plastic bags reduces beach litter.
grist.org
June 21, 2025 at 3:52 PM
New research in the journal Science shows that when you outlaw or discourage the sale of plastic bags, fewer of them end up as litter on beaches. @grist.org grist.org/science/plas...
Republicans want to make 250 million acres of public lands eligible for sale to housing developers — including lots of national forests that, if you live in the West, you probably know and love. @grist.org grist.org/politics/pub...
Your favorite campgrounds, hiking trails, and forests could soon be up for auction
Republicans want to make 250 million acres of public lands eligible for sale to housing developers.
grist.org
June 18, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Republicans want to make 250 million acres of public lands eligible for sale to housing developers — including lots of national forests that, if you live in the West, you probably know and love. @grist.org grist.org/politics/pub...
Reposted by Joseph Winters
The EU just told finance companies they can't call their funds "sustainable" if they're invested in fossil fuels.
So companies got rid of fossil fuels from some funds. But for others, they just dropped words like "sustainable" from the name.
www.climatechangenews.com/2025/06/03/a...
So companies got rid of fossil fuels from some funds. But for others, they just dropped words like "sustainable" from the name.
www.climatechangenews.com/2025/06/03/a...
As EU enacts new greenwash rules, funds remove climate labels
By removing words like "ESG" and "sustainable" from their names, funds can keep investing in fossil fuels despite the EU greenwash rules
www.climatechangenews.com
June 3, 2025 at 8:19 PM
The EU just told finance companies they can't call their funds "sustainable" if they're invested in fossil fuels.
So companies got rid of fossil fuels from some funds. But for others, they just dropped words like "sustainable" from the name.
www.climatechangenews.com/2025/06/03/a...
So companies got rid of fossil fuels from some funds. But for others, they just dropped words like "sustainable" from the name.
www.climatechangenews.com/2025/06/03/a...
66% of the entire planet is deep ocean (≥200 m), but new research shows humans have visually observed less than 0.001%, a total area approximately one-tenth of the size of Belgium. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
How little we’ve seen: A visual coverage estimate of the deep seafloor
In decades of deep-sea exploration, humans have observed only 0.001% of the deep seafloor, leaving 66% of planet Earth unseen.
www.science.org
June 6, 2025 at 1:45 PM
66% of the entire planet is deep ocean (≥200 m), but new research shows humans have visually observed less than 0.001%, a total area approximately one-tenth of the size of Belgium. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
I really enjoyed speaking with Portland's waste pickers for this story, co-published with @streetroots.bsky.social. “There’s this stigma that if you’re homeless, then you’re useless. But collecting bottles and cans — it is work." @grist.org grist.org/equity/portl...
This Portland collective keeps the city clean — and helps unhoused people find stability
“There’s this stigma that if you’re homeless, then you’re useless. But collecting bottles and cans — it is work.”
grist.org
May 28, 2025 at 9:52 PM
I really enjoyed speaking with Portland's waste pickers for this story, co-published with @streetroots.bsky.social. “There’s this stigma that if you’re homeless, then you’re useless. But collecting bottles and cans — it is work." @grist.org grist.org/equity/portl...