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 view of the German autobahn with blue city signs

Why is Germany building roads for yesterday's climate?

As heat waves buckle its Autobahn, Germany is still paving roads for a past climate. Engineers know how to fix it — so what's the holdup?
Salmon swimming in a murky river

Army Corps of Engineers uses released water from Idaho reservoir to cool river temperature

Hot temperatures have been heating up Idaho river temperatures, which can be dangerous for salmon and steelhead.
A satellite view of the Mediterranean sea showing north Africa and Europe

Europe warned of ‘warmer-than-normal’ August: What’s driving blistering temperatures?

The exceptionally warm Mediterranean Sea is leaving a fingerprint on land, and in several places it shows up in the nights rather than the afternoons.

A person collecting plastic bottles in a recycling container

Do small climate habits help or hurt the bigger cause?

Researchers tracked nearly 2,800 people's habits, protests, and policy views to test whether small green acts help or hurt the bigger fight. Neither, it turns out.
A view of a tower in a city

U.S. developer tied to failed bitcoin venture is proposing major Alberta data center

Little-known company Teton Digital is pushing an AI project that could release one million tons of annual emissions.

Woman dressed in blue jeans and black top casually charging an EV
Credit: JUICE/Unsplash

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp isn’t done with EVs

The term-limited Republican has embraced artificial intelligence data centers, but he said electric vehicles continue to be a major priority for his last six months in office.

Three factory workers walking through a factory

U.S. factories are struggling to get cleaner heat

Many manufacturers burn fossil fuels to make snacks, materials, and chemicals. High electricity costs are complicating their efforts to switch to cleaner technologies.

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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