Most popular stories of 2020

Our 5 most read stories of 2020

Revisit the stories and words that most resonated with our readers.

It's always something of a mystery to see what most touches readers. Black food sovereignty, DuPont's pollution, fracking and horses—this year's most read stories from our newsroom reflect true diversity in the world of environmental health.


We were delighted to see that whether essay, straight science reporting, explainer piece, or investigative feature, our work can reach millions.

Don't miss out, see what others have been reading. Below are our top five most read stories from the past year.

1. We don't farm because it's trendy; we farm as resistance, for healing and sovereignty

For more than 150 years, from the rural South to northern cities, Black people have used farming to build self-determined communities and resist oppressive structures that tear them down.

2. A lasting legacy: DuPont, C8 contamination and the community of Parkersburg left to grapple with the consequences

"We all have stories of friends and family, neighbors, dying too young or being diagnosed with various medical problems"

3. Coronavirus, climate change, and the environment

A conversation on COVID-19 with the director of Harvard University's Center of Climate, Health and the Global Environment.

4. Fracking linked to rare birth defect in horses: Study

A new study has uncovered a link between fracking chemicals in farm water and a rare birth defect in horses—which researchers say could serve as a warning about fracking and human infant health.

5. Organic diets quickly reduce the amount of glyphosate in people’s bodies

A new study found levels of the widespread herbicide and its breakdown products reduced, on average, more than 70 percent in both adults and children after just six days of eating organic.

Banner photo: Tracy Danzey grew up in polluted Parkersburg, West Virginia. (Courtesy Seth Freeman Photography)

A black plastic Crocs shoe floats in floodwaters.

Floods in Texas and around the world are getting worse as the planet heats up

Severe deluges like the one that killed dozens in Texas over the holiday weekend are hitting harder and more frequently, fueled by climate change and made deadlier by outdated infrastructure and shrinking climate research budgets.

Raymond Zhong reports for The New York Times.

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A series of european union flags in front of a building.

EU scales back climate leadership as populism and global inaction stall 2040 emissions goal

European Union leaders proposed a scaled-back 2040 climate target this week, signaling a shift away from the bloc’s historic leadership as political pressure and global inaction grow.

Fiona Harvey reports for The Guardian.

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A dry environment with scrub brush and dead wood.

Droughts tied to climate change are pushing water, food, and ecosystems to the brink

A new United Nations-backed report warns that climate-fueled droughts are becoming more deadly and far-reaching, intensifying hunger, displacing wildlife, and upending daily life from Africa to Latin America.

Tim Dodd reports for BBC.

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Satellite floating over the earth.

New satellite designed to track methane emissions goes dark in orbit

A methane-tracking satellite launched by the Environmental Defense Fund lost contact mid-June, cutting short its mission to map planet-warming emissions from global oil and gas operations.

Raymond Zhong reports for The New York Times.

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A row of pump jacks stretching into the distance.

Push to speed US fossil fuel permits faces delays as federal experts resign

A wave of retirements and resignations across federal environmental agencies is threatening President Trump’s efforts to fast-track fossil fuel and mining projects.

Miranda Willson and Hannah Northey report for E&E News.

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The capitol building in Raleigh ,North Carolina.

North Carolina governor blocks rollback of clean energy targets

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein vetoed a bill that would repeal a key 2030 carbon emissions reduction goal, citing concerns over energy costs and the state’s clean energy future.

Gary D. Robertson reports for The Associated Press.

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View of the city of New York.
Credit: Pixabay

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani links climate action to affordability plan

Zohran Mamdani, who won New York City's Democratic mayoral primary, has built a platform that connects environmental justice to housing, utility costs, and school infrastructure, aiming to reshape how the city tackles climate and inequality.

Lauren Dalban reports for Inside Climate News.

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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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