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 closeup view of a citibank sign in red, white and blue

Banks are financing the fossil fuel industry’s next growth strategy

New research shows major lenders are accelerating their investment in Big Oil as the industry turns toward plastics and petrochemicals.
Two workers installing rooftop solar on a curved-tile roof

5 questions answered as solar tax credits phase out

Many utility-scale developers planned ahead, signaling the looming deadline may not be a massive disruption.
Rendering of planet earth depicting energy pathways against a setting or rising sun

German startups compete in global race for nuclear fusion

Companies around the world are competing to see who can build the first commercially viable nuclear fusion reactor. German startups are also in the race, supported by major corporations and private investors.
Aerial view on old working coking plant. Smokestacks, coal waste, flaring in progress.
Credit: plantic/BigStock Photo ID: 202556464

Echoes of the past in Pennsylvania coal towns’ fight against data centers

As the data center buildout escalates, rural Pennsylvanians urge lawmakers not to repeat past mistakes.
Blue-green diesel generator with signage reading: "DIESEL NO SMOKING OR OPEN FLAMES"
Credit: Fr0ggy5/Unsplash

‘We are screwed’: People near data centers dread heat wave pollution

Extreme temperatures threaten to strain the grid as data centers are increasing energy demand. What could go wrong?
Downed power lines in a flooded area of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Credit: jpegisclair/BigStock Photo ID: 192269

New Orleans residents on warning to abandon sinking city: ‘Nobody wants to leave home’

After a recent study found New Orleans is at a ‘point of no return’ amid the climate crisis, some locals say they will ‘only leave if forced to’. But what would it take to stay?
An aerial view of a body of water with a bridge crossing it

Global oceans break June temperature record with fears they’re headed into ‘uncharted territory’

The planet’s oceans are at unprecedented temperatures for this time of year, breaking the all-time June record, according to new data, with alarming implications for global weather and marine life.

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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