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 family having a picnic in a greenfield

The psychological distance between us and climate disaster

An analysis of dozens of previously published studies reveals people systematically underestimate their own vulnerability to climate threats.
Small Black child sitting his fathers lap covering his eyes

Insurance has become the real disaster for Black families

From Altadena to Alabama, Black families learn the real catastrophe starts after the disaster, when insurers decide who is worth saving.
Petrochemical plant in twilight
Credit: Aunging/BigStock Photo ID: 198653959

Civil rights case probes racism behind Cancer Alley pollution

Federal lawsuit claiming local officials illegally pushed polluting industries into Black communities reaches new stage.
Petrochemical or refinery facility venting methane at night enveloped in toxic smoke

Why the Clean Air Act was never a ‘good fit’ for climate

The lawyers who successfully won the law’s climate authority once thought of it as a placeholder for stronger legislation.
An explosion with red fire and grey smoke

Iran shocks could spur a shift to clean energy — but also to coal

Environmentalists say the war’s effects on oil and gas prices are an argument for countries to get off fossil fuels. But the reality is likely to be messier.
Solar panels juxtaposed against transmission lines and wind turbines
Credit: kckate16/ BigStock Photo ID: 478351339

Iran war: How green energy shields countries from oil shocks

The Iran war has disrupted oil and gas trade. As countries like the US double down on fossil fuels, experts say the conflict shows how speeding up homegrown renewables is the only way to avoid future energy crises.
Spanish wind turbines operated by Acciona Energía, on the harbour wall at Bilbao.

Spain’s wind-farm bargain

Renewable-energy projects can boost the economy of a rural town—if the community has a say in development.
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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