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 dog walking down a flooded sidewalk next to boats

Poorer nations need $305B US per year to adapt to climate change. UN says they're $277B short

Rich countries are falling about $277 billion US short of the $305 billion needed each year to help developing nations adapt to climate change, even as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe.

A view of solar panels with wind turbines in the background

The deceptions that crippled a renewable energy industry

Alberta, Canada, invokes ‘agriculture first’ to block wind and solar while putting gas plants on prime land.

Two teens walking down the hallway of a school

Teens say they’re concerned about climate change — but also don’t know much about it

Educators have noticed a disconnect between teenagers' fear of climate change and their understanding of its effects.
A view of the U.S. congressional dome

What a historic ‘blue wave’ midterm means for climate action

Democrats swept Congress and won in the states. Here are the races that matter most for decarbonization, disasters, and data centers.
Xrays of the human body

Climate change is killing hundreds of thousands — a kidney specialist’s concerns

The 2026 Lancet Countdown reveals the growing health toll of extreme heat, while references to climate and health in United Nations speeches have declined.

American flag superimposed against the U.S. capitol building

Democrats seize Congress, Statehouses in referendum on the economy

Voters sought action on energy costs, corruption, and data centers in an election environmentalists believe sets the stage for renewed climate policy.

A worker standing on a hillside that has been logged

Brazil wraps up COP30 with fossil fuel, forest roadmaps, urging shift from talks to action

Brazil is ending its year-long presidency of ​the UN climate process with roadmaps aimed at curbing deforestation and accelerating a shift away from fossil fuels to help governments deliver on past ‌climate agreements.
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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