popular stories 2022

Our 5 most popular reads from 2022

A corpse, woodworking dangers, plastic titans ... revisit the stories that stuck with our readers this past year.

The totals are in — here are the five most viewed stories from our newsroom in 2022.


1. A corpse in a barrel in a drying reservoir

corpse in a barrel in a drying reservoir

Our weekend columnist Peter Dykstra is always on the lookout for the weird and wacky in the environmental realm.

With this column, he found it.

2. The hidden, potential cancer-causing, danger in woodworking and art supplies

BADGE BPA chemical

Reporter Meg Wilcox did a deep dive on a scary chemical that's common in woodworking and art supplies. Might want to check this one out before your next craft night.

3. The Titans of Plastic

petrochemical shell pennsylvania plastic

In collaboration with the excellent Sierra Magazine, reporter Kristina Marusic gives readers a clear-eyed look at the multi-faceted impacts of plastics production.

4. For clean beauty brands, getting PFAS out of makeup might be easier said than done

PFAS in makeup

We spent a good part of the beginning of 2022 examining PFAS chemicals in everyday products. This investigation into makeup caught the eye of readers.

5. Chemicals in everyday products are spurring obesity, warns a new review

chemicals obesity

Our weight depends on more than diet and exercise. Reporter Grace van Deelen reported on the latest research examining a concerning class of chemicals called "obesogens."


Setting sun at dusk against a red-orange sky

A closely guarded plan to cool Earth is revealed

A geoengineering company would use tiny specks of silica to block sun rays — and make billions of dollars.
Woman in waders standing shin-deep in southeastern swamp

How a ‘model’ for climate migration became a cautionary tale

The residents of Isle de Jean Charles in Louisiana found safety after moving to higher ground. But the experience left some of them warning others facing relocation: ‘Don’t do it.’
Large white storage tank with blue letters reading, "H2 HYDROGEN"

Germany and Japan test hydrogen future with BMW, Toyota cars

During a recent visit to Japan, Germany's transport minister Patrick Schnieder toured hydrogen projects aimed at bringing the fuel into the mainstream.
Small one-man fishing boat silhouetted at sunrise with sustainable energy wind turbines in the background.
Credit: sonnydaez/BigStock Photo ID: 190907200

Platner’s energy plan prioritizes lowering costs and taking on Big Oil and the ‘oligarchy’

Senate candidate Graham Platner’s key energy goal is to reduce costs for Mainers. He’d also like to tax the “ever-living hell out of the companies that made a lot of money on fossil fuels while they destroyed the planet.”
Computer generated 3D illustration with oil pumps, solar panels and wind turbines.
Credit: MIRO3D/BigStock Photo ID: 147195269

The American epoch of oil is collapsing. What comes next could be ugly

China is dominating the energy transition with astonishing result, while fossil fuel fascists in the US try to turn back the clock.

Coal plant emitting smoke from red and white smokestacks adjacent to large piles of coal and coal ash.

The Tennessee Valley Authority produced a booklet downplaying coal ash risks. Top researchers call it ‘dishonest’

A 35-page booklet distributed in a public meeting by the Tennessee Valley Authority about coal ash is filled with “lies” and misleading information, according to coal ash researchers.

A woman hooking her electric vehicle up to a charger

Soaring gas prices have drivers turning to EVs — except in the US

European drivers are escaping high gas prices and buying more cheap Chinese EVs. In the U.S., that’s impossible.
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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