journalism

Our top 5 long reads of 2021

Check out must-read, in-depth reporting from the past year.

In a world of quick clips and soundbites, long-form journalism can be a tough sell. But some stories just deserve the space and attention.


Here are five long reads that rise to that level. Grab a coffee or tea, close your Twitter tab, and support the kind of reporting that can spark change.

1. Fractured: The body burden of living near fracking

fracking children health

In this 4-part investigative series, EHN finds western Pennsylvania families near fracking are exposed to harmful chemicals, and regulations fail to protect communities' mental, physical, and social health.

2. Why Indigenous women are risking arrest to fight Enbridge’s Line 3 pipeline through Minnesota

enbridge line 3 indigenous

Enbridge's Line 3 pipeline construction is running into tribal resistance over fears of water pollution, wild rice impacts, climate change, and exploitation of Native women.

3. We’re dumping loads of retardant chemicals to fight wildfires. What does it mean for wildlife?

wildfires climate change

As western wildfires become bigger and more intense, state and federal fire agencies are using more and more aerial fire retardant, prompting concerns over fish kills, aquatic life, and water quality.

4. Pollution’s mental toll: How air, water and climate pollution shape our mental health

environmental justice

A collaboration between Environmental Health News and The Allegheny Front found alarming evidence that residents throughout the western Pennsylvania region are likely suffering changes to their brains due to pollution in the surrounding environment.

A young cow walking in a dry field

Recent droughts hit the top cattle counties hardest

The nation’s cattle inventory is at its lowest level in decades, the result of a long-term decline that has been pushed even lower in recent years by drought.

An inflatable boat pulled up to an icy shore
Credit: A. C./Unsplash+

The secret world of Arctic Ocean DNA

Researchers mapping and digitizing Arctic Ocean DNA believe it may offer a new, better way to detect changes in local wildlife populations, Arctic diseases and marine die-offs

An illustration of a burning sun falling below the horizon

Bill McKibben: A low point of human inaction on climate change

The second Trump Administration’s assault on the environment has been as damaging as expected, but other developments this year give at least some hope for the future.
A parking lot with a solar panel serving as a canopy for a car

Democrats revive clean-energy bills as Spanberger prepares to take office

With full Democratic control in Richmond and a new governor on the way, lawmakers are reviving previously vetoed clean-energy bills, including proposals to require solar canopies on large parking lots and expand offshore-wind workforce training.

A toddler run through a multicolored fountain on a hot day

2025 ‘virtually certain’ to be second- or third-hottest year on record, EU data shows

New EU data shows 2025 is virtually certain to rank as the second- or third-hottest year on record, with global temperatures driven close to 1.5C above preindustrial levels and extreme weather intensifying across multiple regions.

 United Nations logo at the UN headquarter in New York City

Climate complacency is a worry, says UN environment head

Trillions of dollars could be gained every year and millions of lives saved from protecting the climate and environment, according to the UN. DW speaks to Inger Andersen about what might help us get there.
Industrial complex with smokestacks near a body of water.

EU to weaken more environment reporting rules, draft document shows

The European Commission has drafted proposals to cut back more EU environment laws, targeting requirements for industries to report on their pollution and waste, a draft EU document seen by Reuters showed.
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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