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 row of wind turbines at dusk installed on rolling hills

Largest US renewable project begins generating electricity

SunZia has quietly begun sending enormous amounts of wind power to California as President Donald Trump works to thwart the wind industry.

A solar panel installed on a pole imprinted with the Cuban flag

As Cuba’s grid fails, solar power becomes a lifeline

The Trump administration’s fuel blockade against Cuba has resulted in widespread power outages and gas shortages, but also a surge in solar installations.

A sunny balcony with a bench and flower pots

What to know before you get balcony solar

States are starting to embrace plug-and-play solar. Get up to speed on the cost, payback, and safety bona fides of the systems before they hit shelves near you.

An offshore oil rig with the sunrise in the background

Environmental groups take Trump administration’s ‘God Squad’ to court

Environmental groups are suing the Trump administration over its decision to exempt oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico from complying with the Endangered Species Act.

A wooden judge's gavel on a wooden desk

Court rejects Trump administration climate lawsuit against Hawaii

In a setback for federal efforts to thwart climate litigation, the judge ruled that the suit, which tried to block the state from suing oil companies, was too speculative.
Flags of the EU flying outside a glass and steel building

Hungary's carbon tax violates EU rules, top court says

The European Union's top court says Hungary's tax on CO2 emission allowances, introduced in 2023, is against EU law, as it removes the operators' incentive to invest in measures to cut emissions.

A mountain highway winding through a forest toward mountains in the background
Credit: Hans/Unsplash+

How ‘national security’ became the new justification for drilling

What’s happening to the public lands and oceans we thought were protected?
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.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.