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."


Hurricane Helene shifts climate change into focus for 2024 campaign

Hurricane Helene's destruction has thrust climate change into the spotlight of the presidential race, with both parties now debating the role of extreme weather and environmental policies.

Matthew Daly reports for The Associated Press.

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Senator Whitehouse & climate change

Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda

For more than a decade, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse gave daily warnings about the mounting threat of climate change. Now he has a powerful new perch.

Heritage Foundation targets federal agencies with a flood of FOIA requests

The Heritage Foundation has submitted over 50,000 Freedom of Information Act requests to federal agencies, seeking information on employees and communications that could be politically sensitive, especially for a potential Trump administration.

Sharon Lerner and Andy Kroll report for ProPublica.

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Trump standing smugly on stage
Credit: Gage Skidmore/Flickr

Trump's approach to disaster aid was influenced by politics, say former aides

A former White House adviser has claimed Donald Trump hesitated to provide wildfire disaster aid to California in 2018 because the state leans Democratic.

Scott Waldman and Thomas Frank report for Politico.

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A marine biologist calls for urgent global action on plastic pollution

Richard Thompson, who first identified microplastics, warns that without international agreement on a global treaty, plastic pollution could triple by 2060.

Richard Schiffman reports for Yale Environment 360.

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Flooding from Hurricane Helene leaves North Carolina mountain residents isolated and at risk

As floodwaters recede in North Carolina's mountain areas, residents face growing health risks due to contaminated water, power outages and blocked access to hospitals.

Jennifer Horney writes for The Conversation.

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Hurricanes’ hidden death toll lingers long after the storm ends

A new study reveals that tropical storms cause thousands of deaths over the years following the event, far exceeding the immediate death toll.

Lydia DePillis reports for The New York Times.

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Flooded river flowing over a road
Credit: Andrew/Pixabay

Hurricane Helene exposes Southeast's flood insurance gap

Hurricane Helene has left thousands in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina struggling to recover due to low flood insurance rates, highlighting a growing crisis worsened by climate change.

Avery Ellfeldt reports for POLITICO.

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From our Newsroom
environmental justice

LISTEN: Mokshda Kaul on making the clean energy transition work for all

“Coalitions become this interesting way to create buy-in.”

climate week NYC

Op-ed: Is plastic the biggest climate threat?

A plastics treaty for the climate and health must address overproduction of plastics and head off the petrochemical and plastic industry’s planned expansion.

fracking pennsylvania cancer

Residents say Pennsylvania has failed communities after state studies linked fracking to child cancer

Last year Pennsylvania Department of Health studies showed increased risk of childhood cancer, asthma and low birth weights for people living near fracking. Advocates say not enough has been done since.

The fossil fuel industry is disproportionately harming low-income and minority women: Report

The fossil fuel industry is disproportionately harming low-income and minority women: Report

“Women, in all of their diversity, must be at the center of climate and energy decision-making.”

homelessness climate change

Op-ed: People need shelter from climate change — their health hangs in the balance

The discourse on climate resilience must include affordable housing policy solutions.

U.S. Steel Pennsylvania pollution

As Biden prepares to block the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel, pollution concerns persist in Pennsylvania

“Pennsylvania steel communities have lived with dangerous air quality for generations. That needs to end.”

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