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."


A tilted home off its foundation on the beach following Hurricane Sandy
Credit: Glynnis Jones/BigStock Photo ID:

'Barrier Islands 101': No easy answers for NC12, beach houses

Presentations about vital and vulnerable N.C. Highway 12, collapsing homes, the national park and life on the Outer Banks during the Coastal Resources Commission’s recent meeting in New Bern illustrate a sobering challenge.
3D rendering depicting interconnection and electrification based on clean energy

Electrification explained: Clean energy to curb warming

From EVs and electric buses on the road, heat pumps warming homes and solar panels powering appliances, the shift to electrifying tech is already in full swing. But what exactly does "electrification" mean?
FPSO tanker vessel and Oil Rig platform. Offshore oil and gas industry. Flare is burning with smoke
Credit: Heatray/BigStock Photo ID: 240240058

Why the world is still running on fossil fuels after 30 years of climate talks

Missed opportunities, industry influence and political maneuvering are behind the lack of progress in slowing global warming.
Warehouse or data center roof covered with solar panels

Senate advances energy legislation amid data center backlash

The Senate is moving forward with bipartisan legislation to speed up permitting for data centers and infrastructure projects.
3D rendering isolated on white background illustrative of renewable energy and sustainable development in Australia concept.
Credit: AlexLMX/BigStock Photo ID: 202260370

Will Australia push for fossil fuel exit at UN talks?

The heat is on Australia as chief negotiator at the COP31 UN climate conference to forge a path away from coal and gas, and to protect Pacific neighbors facing rising sea levels.
An illustration of the earth being cooked on a campfire

Three-quarters of world's displaced people face severe climate risks, UN says

Nearly 90 million forcibly displaced people, or three-quarters of the global total, live in countries highly exposed to climate hazards, the United Nations Refugee Agency says.

Dried squid hanging with clip in a line against sunset sky.

South Korea’s beloved squid may vanish from its waters due to climate change

A new study finds that by the 2040s, South Korea will become “a zero-catch state” for the Pacific flying squid, the country’s most popular squid species, due to climate change and marine heat waves.

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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