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 small rooftop solar panel on a tiled roof

Iran war sparks renewables boom as Europeans rush to buy solar, heat pumps and EVs

The war on Iran has become a catalyst for green technology, as Europeans scramble to find less volatile alternatives to oil and gas.
A various headshots of a woman in varying states of emotion

The emotional contradictions of climate messaging

Two new analyses of media and social posts reveal some unexpected twists — climate advocates warn of crisis while offering optimism, and skeptics lean on "science."

A water desalination plant in the desert next to a body of water

What Trump's threat against Iran's desalination plants means for Mideast

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to target Iran’s energy infrastructure, including its desalination plants.
A row of wind turbines against a blue sky

Texas saw a $50B future in renewables. Then the political winds shifted

Clean energy brought income to ranchers and to counties buffeted by boom-and-bust oil cycles. Federal policy changes threaten that momentum.
A prison wall with barbed wire and guard towers

Federal trial over insufficient AC in Texas prisons starts

The plaintiffs are asking for the entire Texas prison system to be air-conditioned by the end of 2029 in a trial that is expected to last two weeks.
Vermont State House, Montpelier, Vermont, USA. Vermont State House is Greek Revival style built in 1859.
Credit: jiawangkun/BigStock Photo ID: 71198428

Vermont hits back at Trump’s effort to block ‘climate superfund’ law

The law would make fuel companies help pay for damages caused by climate change. The Trump nadministration argues it’s unconstitutional.

Electrician in yellow-green shirt using a screwdriver while working on an electrical service panel

Many homes already have the power to electrify, study finds

A California power provider shows homes can ditch fossil-fueled appliances without pricey electrical service upgrades after all.
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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