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 row of gas towers flaring smoke and fire into the air

Global move away from oil could lead to conflict and migration, experts say

Researchers urge governments to help the worst afflicted countries, such as Nigeria and Algeria, which rely on oil revenues for public services.

A rendering of a large mosquito in the palm of a human hand

One effect of climate change: More rats, ticks, and mosquitoes — and more disease

This summer's weather has been a vivid reminder that climate disruption is bringing cycles of dry spells, high heat, and heavy rains to the Chicago region.

All subway system in New York closed as a result of of Hurricane Sandy on October 29 2012
Credit: kobby_dagan/BigStock Photo ID: 52608889

New York’s subways weren’t built for this

In an era of heavy rain, a transit system with 47,000 openings is bound to leak.
A glacier shown between two low mountain ranges

Why it's so hard to predict a tragedy like Nepal's glacier collapse

Melting glaciers spell disaster around the world. Protecting people will be a challenge for decades to come.
A farm worker harvesting peppers from tall plants

A mysterious kidney disease has arrived in Texas

The condition, linked to heat on a warming planet, is affecting laborers from Central America and Mexico. As scientists race to track the growing epidemic, its victims have been driven further into hiding.
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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