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 rocket launch with a blue sky and clouds in the background

New surge in space launches raises concerns over upper-atmosphere pollution

Scientists are warning that emissions from skyrocketing numbers of satellite launches are contributing to a new and poorly understood form of air pollution that may affect Earth’s atmosphere and climate for decades.

Gary Fuller reports for The Guardian.

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A satellite in space hovering over the earth.

NASA budget cuts threaten public health research tied to climate data

NASA's Earth science program, a vital source of environmental and health data, faces steep funding cuts under the Trump administration that could derail research on climate-linked health risks like Lyme disease and air pollution.

Joanne Kenen reports for Undark Magazine.

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A mountain wetland

Colorado’s alpine wetlands are quietly contaminating drinking water with toxic mercury

Mercury pollution drifting from Asia and sulfate runoff driven by climate change are triggering the formation of a dangerous neurotoxin in Colorado’s mountain wetlands, potentially threatening water supplies for millions.

Eve-Lyn Hinckley writes for The Conversation.

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A river running between rocky hills.

Arizona cities form alliance to defend Colorado River water amid deepening drought

Arizona mayors from across the state have launched a new coalition to push back against looming water cuts from the Colorado River, warning that current negotiations could leave their communities at risk.

Wyatt Myskow reports for Inside Climate News.

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A wildfire in a grassy field

Europe faces worst wildfire year on record as smoke and heat choke the region

Wildfires have burned more than a million hectares across the European Union in 2025, making it the most destructive year since records began.

Ajit Niranjan reports for The Guardian.

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A research vessel in the sea with icy mountains in the background.

The U.S. may lose its only Antarctic research ship as budget cuts take hold

President Trump’s proposed budget would end funding for the Nathaniel B. Palmer, the last American icebreaker dedicated to Antarctic science, potentially leaving the U.S. without a research vessel in one of the world’s most critical climate zones.

Raymond Zhong reports for The New York Times.

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An illustration of a hospital operating room under water during a flood.

Trump-backed tax law threatens future of flooded Tennessee hospital

Flooding from Hurricane Helene forced a dramatic rooftop evacuation at a rural Tennessee hospital last year, but efforts to rebuild the facility now face collapse due to deep health care cuts in President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bill.

Ariel Wittenberg reports for E&E News.

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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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