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)

Britain shuts down its last coal power plant, ending an era

Britain is closing its final coal-fired power station, marking the end of over 200 years of reliance on coal to power its economy.

William Booth reports for The Washington Post.

Keep reading...Show less
Senator Whitehouse & climate change

Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda

For more than a decade, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse gave daily warnings about the mounting threat of climate change. Now he has a powerful new perch.

Flooding in Nepal leaves over 190 dead

More than 190 people have died in Nepal following severe flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rains, with rescue and recovery operations accelerating as weather improves.

Binaj Gurubacharya reports for The Associated Press.

Keep reading...Show less

Trump targets Biden and Harris over hurricane response in Georgia visit

Former President Donald Trump plans to tour hurricane-stricken Georgia, criticizing the Biden administration's response to the disaster.

Kimberly Leonard reports for POLITICO.

Keep reading...Show less

Leonard Leo’s group criticizes efforts to educate judges on climate issues

A rightwing think tank tied to Leonard Leo is accusing a nonprofit’s climate change seminars for judges of unfairly influencing the judiciary to favor climate lawsuits.

Dharna Noor and Alice Herman report for The Guardian.

Keep reading...Show less
Political debate over U.S. Steel sale ignores public health and environmental risks
Credit: Pixabay

Political debate over U.S. Steel sale ignores public health and environmental risks

A potential $15 billion sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel has sparked political controversy, leaving pollution and public health concerns in the Mon Valley largely overlooked.

Kiley Bense reports for Inside Climate News.

Keep reading...Show less

Nickel exploration ramps up in Michigan and Minnesota amid rising EV battery demand

As the U.S. seeks more domestic sources of electric vehicle battery metals, geologists are exploring Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Minnesota for nickel deposits.

Hannah Northey reports for E&E News.

Keep reading...Show less
UN food agency criticized for not revising livestock emissions report
Credit: Jim/Unsplash

UN food agency criticized for not revising livestock emissions report

More than 20 scientists expressed frustration with the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization for not correcting errors in a livestock emissions report, which two cited academics say underestimates the impact of dietary changes on greenhouse gas reduction.

Arthur Neslen reports for The Guardian.

Keep reading...Show less
From our Newsroom
environmental justice

LISTEN: Mokshda Kaul on making the clean energy transition work for all

“Coalitions become this interesting way to create buy-in.”

climate week NYC

Op-ed: Is plastic the biggest climate threat?

A plastics treaty for the climate and health must address overproduction of plastics and head off the petrochemical and plastic industry’s planned expansion.

fracking pennsylvania cancer

Residents say Pennsylvania has failed communities after state studies linked fracking to child cancer

Last year Pennsylvania Department of Health studies showed increased risk of childhood cancer, asthma and low birth weights for people living near fracking. Advocates say not enough has been done since.

The fossil fuel industry is disproportionately harming low-income and minority women: Report

The fossil fuel industry is disproportionately harming low-income and minority women: Report

“Women, in all of their diversity, must be at the center of climate and energy decision-making.”

homelessness climate change

Op-ed: People need shelter from climate change — their health hangs in the balance

The discourse on climate resilience must include affordable housing policy solutions.

U.S. Steel Pennsylvania pollution

As Biden prepares to block the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel, pollution concerns persist in Pennsylvania

“Pennsylvania steel communities have lived with dangerous air quality for generations. That needs to end.”

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