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.

An illustration of a mosquito on a beige background

As climate shifts, malaria gains ground in southern Africa

In a remote South African village, Paulina Mhlongo sits in the yard as health workers in green protective gear move briskly through her home, soaking the walls with anti-mosquito insecticide.
A farmworker in a farm field with dark clouds behind him

Climate change is increasing humid days, endangering workers

Extreme heat combined with high humidity is becoming more common as the climate warms, making it harder for people to cool their bodies.
A view of a gathering of cows standing in a green field

What to know about the New World screwworm fly and its reappearance in the US

Experts say climate change is a key element in the spread of a tropical species that thrives in warm weather and disappeared after cold snaps in the U.S.

An illustration of hands reaching toward an election ballot

Why are so many Democrats going quiet on climate change?

The conventional wisdom says climate change is a losing issue. Evidence suggests it actually helps Democrats win elections.

A view of servers with multicolored buttons

Bills would require, incentivize Delaware data centers to bring their own power

Delaware legislators are scrambling to address concerns about data centers raising residents’ energy bills before the legislative session ends.
A view of stadium seats leading to a green field

World Cup venues achieve LEED sustainability certification

Most of the stadiums for this year's FIFA World Cup are now considered green buildings and the majority earned their certification in the run-up to the tournament.
Packed soccer stadium with signage advertising various corporate sponsors

The FIFA World Cup is brought to you by Saudi oil: These fans and players want to stop it

Environmental advocates, doctors, and even players themselves demanding that FIFA cut ties with the fossil fuel industry, which they say is adversely impacting players' health, and threatening the future of the sport itself.

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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