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."


Image of a person snowshoeing in a snowy landscape

Athletes say climate change impacting Canada's Labrador Winter Games

From temperature changes to snowmelt, unpredictable weather made it hard to train for the 2026 Labrador Winter Games.

Solar panels on a cloudy day

Solar saved Europe €3 billion in fossil fuel imports in March: Which country is leading the way?

A new analysis found that Europe’s solar capabilities could save the continent €67.5 billion by the end of the year if gas prices remain high.
Two small girls sitting on a bed laughing with open books on their laps

Meet the combustible cartoon character who wants to make kids feel sorry for fossil fuels

A new children’s book by a Chevron-backed clean energy venture paints a sympathetic portrait of coal, oil, and gas.
Children playing soccer

As climate change threatens student athlete safety, states try to adapt

Rising temperatures are increasing the danger of heat-related illness among student athletes, pushing states to adopt new safety rules.

A person with a small case on their lap with water testing tools

Warm winters mean there's more nitrate pollution in Iowa's drinking water

Pollution levels in Iowa's water have been abnormally high this winter, forcing the state's largest city to run an expensive nitrate removal system.

Red oil tanker at a dock

Iran war Strait of Hormuz crisis: Food, fuel, climate impact globally

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered fuel shortages, food disruptions, and a resurgence of coal use, hitting billions of people, especially in poorer countries.

Female doctor writing on a clipboard in a hospital

Health sector launches collaborative to cut emissions and boost climate resilience

A National Academy of Medicine initiative is bringing together leaders across the U.S. health system to reduce its sizable carbon footprint and strengthen resilience to climate-driven health threats.

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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