butterfly

Our top 5 good news stories of 2021

It's not all doom and gloom.

As we reflect on the past year, let's remember the good — the people, communities, ideas, and science that are creating a more healthy and sustainable planet.


The environment can be a depressing beat. But here are the top five good news stories from our newsroom over the past year that remind us there is hope.

1. The pesticide ban movement gains momentum

pesticide ban

Cities and counties are increasingly banning toxic pesticides—and some are taking aim at fertilizers.

2. A Listen Into Landscape

good news podcast

A series of audio postcards spotlighting peace, place, and connection to landscape from the perspective of those working in nature.

3. How artificial intelligence can help save us from air pollution

artificial intelligence

Researchers find AI may outperform traditional models, which could give more advance warning of bad air days, and reduce harmful exposures and hospital visits.

4. From butterfly wings to shrimp claws: Mimicking nature on the nanoscale

green chemistry

Innovators look to biomimicry to address sustainability challenges.

5. Planting a million trees in the semi-arid desert to combat climate change

planting trees

Tucson's ambitious tree planting goal aims to improve the health of residents, wildlife, and the watershed.

Have a good news story tip? We want to hear about it, write us at feedback@ehn.org.

Banner photo: Metalmark Butterfly. (Credit: Andreas Kay/flickr)

EPA administrator Lee Zeldin speaking with attendees at The People's Convention at Huntington Place in Detroit, Michigan.
Credit: Gage Skidmore/https://www.flickr.com/photos/gageskidmore/ Creative Commons https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

Chemical giant, climate skeptics vie for seats on EPA science panel

The Science Advisory Board could influence the Trump administration's plans to revisit a host of regulations.
Cutting board adorned with fresh vegetables and fruit

Nutritionist Marion Nestle weighs in on 'What to Eat Now'

Marion Nestle says we need to rethink how we eat. She recommends "real food, processed as little as possible, with a big emphasis on plants." Her new book is What to Eat Now.
A bobblehead of President Donald Trump on the floor of the Arizona House of Representatives
Credit: Gage Skidmore/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/gageskidmore/5427075... https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

With Trump absent from COP30 talks, the world moves on without U.S.

As scientists sound the alarm, the world is committing to climate action “with or without the United States.”
An illustration of the globe with a giant band aid on it

Podcast: Will we artificially cool the planet?

Professor Ted Parson talks about solar geoengineering as a potential response to severe climate risks, exploring why humanity may need to consider deliberately cooling Earth by spraying reflective particles in the upper atmosphere.

Statsminister Jonas Gahr: Speaker at COP30
Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/statsministerenskontor/ Creative Commons Foto: Martin Lerberg Fossum https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Fossil fuel lobbyists outnumber all COP30 delegations except Brazil, report says

One in every 25 participants at 2025 UN climate summit is a fossil fuel lobbyist, according to Kick Big Polluters Out
Ursula von der Leyen as the first female President of the European Commission during EPP Congress in Zagreb
Credit: : palinchak/BigStock Photo ID: 337032124

European Parliament backs diluted 2040 climate targets

Lawmakers approved proposals to slightly weaken EU carbon emissions targets for 2040. Another vote on corporate supply chain standards was even more contentious as it required populist support to pass.
Old Whitaker oil pumping rig - abandoned oil well
Credit: Photo by Roger Starnes Sr on Unsplash

Opponents say bill bolstering Ohio's orphan well program is too generous to the oil and gas industry

An Ohio Senate measure updating the state’s orphan well program is getting pushback from environmentalists, counties, and farmers.
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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