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)

A box full of potatoes

In new attack on solar, lawmakers spread myths about potato farms

Misinformation about renewable energy fuels local pushback to proposed energy installations and could threaten farmers’ livelihoods.
An aerial view of building construction

Black Miami is on the frontline of climate displacement

What used to be the “wrong side of the tracks” is now the city’s climate escape route, and Black residents are being pushed off the path they built.
Woman with personal fan on a hot day

U.S. Rep. Dina Titus pushes extreme heat bill ahead of summer

Republican U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton of Arizona and Democratic U.S. Rep. Dina Titus have cosponsored the Extreme Weather and Heat Response Modernization Act — a bill that would allow the president to declare extreme heat a major disaster.

A maintenance worker installing solar panels

Is Europe's heatwave bad news for renewables?

Soaring temperatures can actually hinder some kinds of renewable energy output, even sun-absorbing solar.
The interior of a barn with black and white cows eating hay

Report accuses corporate dairy of ‘greenwashing’

A report found that the world's largest meat and dairy companies, including some with Wisconsin ties, have made exaggerated climate claims.
A view of solar panels with wind turbines and mountains in the background

Clean energy saved EU €51 billion in 2025 by cutting fossil fuel imports

Investing in renewables has ensured greater energy security at a moment when the war on Iran is destabilizing supplies and forcing up costs.

Wall-mounted power storage unit - whole-house battery concept

The household battery revolution that could change energy bills … and the world

Australia is pioneering a revolution in home renewables and battery use, proving what is possible with the right policies.

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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