Good News

Our top 5 good news stories of 2020

Because we could all use a little more cheer.

We can all agree that 2020 was a challenging year.


Good news feels hard to come by lately. And when you work in environmental news, it can seem even more rare.

Yet, the year was not without progress (yes, seriously!). Check out five good news stories from our newsroom that you may have missed below.

1. A Northeast US climate initiative has had a major side benefit—healthier children

Researchers estimate a climate effort in the Northeast U.S. helped the region reduce toxic air pollution and avoid hundreds of asthma and autism cases, preterm births, and low birth weights.

2. Roadmap points Europe toward safer, sustainable chemicals

EU Commission releases ambitious strategy for getting hormone-disrupting chemicals out of food, products, and packaging.

3. Solar power on the rise at US schools

Report finds an 81% increase in K-12 schools using solar power over the last 5 years.

4. Pittsburgh’s Black farmers work to grow a new future

A small group of new farmers have seeded a movement to change the local food industry.

5. Derrick Z. Jackson: A Rhode Island city gets serious about climate justice

In its climate action plan, Providence, Rhode Island, is giving frontline residents' health equal billing with carbon reduction. Other cities should pay attention.


Banner photo: Ebony Lunsford-Evans, owner of FarmerGirlEB in Pittsburgh, helps a customer. (Credit: Brian Cook)

Image of a person snowshoeing in a snowy landscape

Athletes say climate change impacting Canada's Labrador Winter Games

From temperature changes to snowmelt, unpredictable weather made it hard to train for the 2026 Labrador Winter Games.

Solar panels on a cloudy day

Solar saved Europe €3 billion in fossil fuel imports in March: Which country is leading the way?

A new analysis found that Europe’s solar capabilities could save the continent €67.5 billion by the end of the year if gas prices remain high.
Two small girls sitting on a bed laughing with open books on their laps

Meet the combustible cartoon character who wants to make kids feel sorry for fossil fuels

A new children’s book by a Chevron-backed clean energy venture paints a sympathetic portrait of coal, oil, and gas.
Children playing soccer

As climate change threatens student athlete safety, states try to adapt

Rising temperatures are increasing the danger of heat-related illness among student athletes, pushing states to adopt new safety rules.

A person with a small case on their lap with water testing tools

Warm winters mean there's more nitrate pollution in Iowa's drinking water

Pollution levels in Iowa's water have been abnormally high this winter, forcing the state's largest city to run an expensive nitrate removal system.

Red oil tanker at a dock

Iran war Strait of Hormuz crisis: Food, fuel, climate impact globally

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered fuel shortages, food disruptions, and a resurgence of coal use, hitting billions of people, especially in poorer countries.

Female doctor writing on a clipboard in a hospital

Health sector launches collaborative to cut emissions and boost climate resilience

A National Academy of Medicine initiative is bringing together leaders across the U.S. health system to reduce its sizable carbon footprint and strengthen resilience to climate-driven health threats.

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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