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."


Emporer penguin chicks following an adult penguin in a snowy landscape

Emperor penguin chicks drown as melting sea ice pushes species toward extinction

Record low Antarctic sea ice is causing mass chick deaths and accelerating the decline of emperor penguins, now officially listed as endangered.

Offshore wind turbines with a sailboat in the foreground

California’s ambitious floating offshore wind plan faces engineering hurdles and local opposition

California plans to transform Humboldt Bay into a hub for floating offshore wind power to help reach its 100% clean energy goal by 2045.

A heat image of a person silhouetted against a blue background

The year so far: hottest and driest in US history

After a season-defying March heat wave pushed things into overdrive, it’s an open question — and a crucial one — how soon more generous moisture might arrive.

Wind turbines in a row against a blue sky

There’s hope for the offshore wind industry — yes, really

Trump’s court losses give the wind industry a chance to get back on stable footing.

A large crane digging earth

Federal delay of silica dust rule leaves coal miners at risk of black lung

Federal regulators have indefinitely postponed a rule designed to limit coal miners’ exposure to harmful silica dust, citing ongoing litigation.

Hand holding handmade sign that reads "THE CLIMATE IS CHANGING SO WHY ISN'T THE SYSTEM?"

US EPA chief celebrates endangerment finding repeal with climate skeptics

Casting doubt on the determination that greenhouse gas emissions endanger public health and welfare, Lee Zeldin said “We’re not accepting all of the narrative of the left without any question or pushback.”

Two men attempting to salvage items inundated by floodwaters amidst submerged vehicles.

A more troubling picture of sea-level rise is coming into view

Scientists have uncovered a "blind spot" in the research on rising seas, revealing that tens of millions of people thought safe from coastal flooding are at risk of inundation. Across much of the world, sea levels are higher than previously assumed and land is sinking faster.
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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