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)

Industrial power plant with smoke stacks under blue sky.

US succeeds in erasing climate from global energy body’s priorities

Trump’s energy chief had threatened to leave the International Energy Agency if it continued to focus on climate.
An oil tank truck driving down a highway

Inside the largest deregulatory action in US history

Can the government simply decide emissions aren’t its problem?
oil refinery emitting pollution under cloudy sky.

Trump's climate health rollback likely will hit vulnerable communities the most, experts say

The Trump administration’s revocation of a scientific finding that climate change is a danger to public health is likely to affect communities of color the most.
Demonstrators hold signs calling for racial justice.

Jesse Jackson's vision for America embraced environmental justice

The civil rights leader, who died earlier this week, linked segregation, pollution, and political power.
a gas station at night.

Paris court holds historic climate trial in case against TotalEnergies

The lawsuit challenges the oil major’s expansion plans and could set a significant precedent on climate responsibilities for fossil fuel companies if successful, advocates say.
the seal of the department of justice on a wall.

He was a climate activist. One day, the FBI came knocking

As the Trump administration cracks down on climate change activism, members of environmental groups like Extinction Rebellion fear they are being targeted.
a close up of a bunch of coffee beans on a branch

Climate change threatens coffee-growing regions

Human-caused climate change is adding weeks of extreme heat to major coffee-producing countries, damaging crops and reducing yields, according to new research.

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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