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 fan blows on a woman laying down under a green mosquito net.

Heat waves scramble disease risks in ways we’re just starting to understand

Scientists are learning that heat waves can supercharge or suppress infectious diseases depending on when, where, and how they hit.

Liza Gross reports for Inside Climate News.

Keep reading...Show less
white wind turbines on green grassy hills during daytime.

As Senate weighs wind and solar rollbacks, a look at how the GOP megabill threatens clean energy growth

The Senate is reviewing a sweeping House bill that would slash tax credits for wind, solar, and battery projects, potentially reversing clean energy gains and escalating electricity costs.

Christa Marshall reports for E&E News.

Keep reading...Show less
a silver and red train traveling down train tracks.
Credit: 7/Unsplash

Trump’s plan to cancel high-speed rail funding fuels stronger Democratic push for California project

President Donald Trump’s effort to cancel $4 billion in federal grants for California’s high-speed rail project is galvanizing Democrats and labor unions to secure long-term funding and keep construction on track.

Alex Nieves reports for POLITICO.

Keep reading...Show less
Coal plant with smoke billowing from a tower.

Trump blocks aging Michigan coal plant closure, igniting clash over clean energy rollback

A surprise federal order has forced Michigan to keep open an aging coal plant that state regulators and the utility had planned to shut down, highlighting President Trump’s push to revive fossil fuel power through federal intervention.

Evan Halper and Jake Spring report for The Washington Post.

Keep reading...Show less
A wave cresting a stone barrier and flowing across a sidewalk.

Rising tides and outdated rules leave New Jersey shore towns vulnerable to flooding

New Jersey’s coastline faces more frequent flooding as sea levels rise faster than the global average, forcing towns and the state to grapple with long-term threats and contested climate policies.

Emilie Lounsberry reports for Inside Climate News.

Keep reading...Show less
gas stove range with burners lit.

Gas industry campaigns against California clean air rule meant to reduce home appliance pollution

A proposed clean air rule in Southern California that would curb emissions from gas heaters and water systems is facing a strong backlash from SoCalGas and its allies, delaying action as wildfire risk rises.

Hilary Beaumont reports for Floodlight.

Keep reading...Show less
A group of Czechia soldiers standing in a crowd.

Europe’s military climate goals fall short as nations ramp up defense spending

Just two of Europe’s 30 militaries have committed to net-zero emissions, even as defense budgets surge amid geopolitical tensions.

Ajit Niranjan reports for The Guardian.

Keep reading...Show less
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.