Our 2021 Annual Report: Environment, health, science & impact

An update from the front lines of climate change and environmental health

What a time of change and growth!

We are pleased to share Environmental Health Sciences' 2021 Annual Report, highlighting the many activities we undertook last year that set EHS up for a strong 2022.


Download our annual report here:

EHS-2021-Annual-Report.pdf

Environmental impact

Agriculture and environmental health

2021 was a year of excitement and challenge for our small nonprofit.

  1. We launched EHN en Español,
  2. Doubled down on our commitment to the groundbreaking early career science program Agents of Change, and
  3. Saw significant gains on both the toxics and climate fronts.

And we watched readers – like you! – get engaged in ways that continually surprised us.

Our work continues

PFAS in cosmetics

In just the first three months this year EHS staff has been a hive of activity:

  • Partnered with wellness community Mamavation.com to investigate PFAS contamination in sports bras, cosmetics and other products.
  • Driven a global campaign around groundbreaking BPA limits in Europe – and why the same scientific standards should be applied in the U.S.
  • Published 10 Agents of Change essays & podcasts exploring everything from new pathways into science to workplace chemical exposures.

Take a look at the work EHS did last year and be proud that you, as a reader, are moving it forward.

We certainly are grateful to you!

PS: Just today we published a look at impacts one year after publishing "Fractured," our groundbreaking investigation into spillover pollution from fracking fields in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Check it out!

Banner photo art by David Ryder for EHN.org

Aerial photo of coal-fired power plant
Credit: airphoto.gr/BigStock Photo ID: 4550715

‘It’s sick’: Trump administration uses mascot called ‘Coalie’ to push dirtiest fossil fuel

Cartoon lump of coal with giant eyes was spotlighted by US interior secretary in X post saying: ‘Mine, Baby, Mine!’
A row of solar panels with the city of Shanghai in the background

China to see solar capacity outstrip coal capacity this year

The China Electricity Council says that, by the end of 2026, wind and solar will account for nearly half of China’s power capacity.

3D rendered illustration of solar system and battery storage

Battery demand 'straps on a rocket' in Australia as rooftop solar passes its peak

Even as Australia appears to have passed the peak of solar uptake, demand for batteries is seemingly headed into orbit.
Colorado River showing "bathtub ring" low water levels near Hoover Dam
Credit: TopCreativePhotography/ BigStock Photo ID: 474765707

Colorado River negotiators are nearly out of time and snowpack

With another federal deadline only weeks away and record-low snowfall further drying out the watershed, states have begun talking about whether they are prepared for litigation.
A reservoir viewed from above with dry shores

Western U.S. cities open wallets in quest for water

Supply declines, drought risk, and population growth are pushing cities to seek new water sources.

Snow cap, glacier, permafrost and iceberg location depicting geological pole and Antarctica parts
Credit: VectorMine/ BigStock Photo ID: 428591645

Attempt to drill through Thwaites Glacier is foiled

Scientists lost their instruments within Antarctica’s most dangerously unstable glacier, though not before getting a glimpse at the warming waters underneath.
Older couple hand in hand, smiling and strolling on tree-lined walk in Vienna, Austria

Vienna, Austria, swaps parking for green space

Conscious of reaching climate goals and strapped for space, some cities are reconsidering how much they dedicate to parking. Austria's capital, Vienna, is streets ahead.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

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