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

A pipeline stretching across a wetlands area

Oilsands, greenwashing and the Mandela Effect

Alberta and Ottawa want to build a new pipeline while reducing emissions from the oilsands — but that second goal just got a lot less ambitious.

An older man climbing onto a dry rock

Podcast: Why restoring earth's capacity will take all of us

In this episode of The Great Simplification, Nate Hagens is joined by regenerative change practitioner Brett KenCairn for a conversation that reframes the dominant narrative about climate change.

A view of a European street on a hot day

Worried about the next heatwave? How southern Europeans keep their homes cool without air con

I moved to Sicily from the UK - here’s what I’ve learnt about keeping your home cool during a heatwave.
Two pump jacks against a sunset

What Colombia's presidential candidates could mean for the Amazon

Colombia’s upcoming presidential runoff pits rival visions on the Amazon, Indigenous rights and energy: phase out fossil fuels or expand drilling.

A view of stadium seats leading to a green field

World Cup venues achieve LEED sustainability certification

Most of the stadiums for this year's FIFA World Cup are now considered green buildings and the majority earned their certification in the run-up to the tournament.
Coal fired power plant with two red/white smokestacks rising above a huge pile of coal, awaiting burning

Trump announces $700 million in funds meant to boost coal industry

The president announced a total of $700 million in federal money to reinvigorate the domestic coal industry, which has been in decline for decades.
Solar panels in foreground with wind turbines and a setting (or rising) sun in background

California and New York weaken climate rules as red states ramp up green energy

Republican-led states growing renewable capabilities at faster rate as Texas emerges as clean-energy leader.

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.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.