Good News

Our top 5 good news stories of 2020

Because we could all use a little more cheer.

We can all agree that 2020 was a challenging year.


Good news feels hard to come by lately. And when you work in environmental news, it can seem even more rare.

Yet, the year was not without progress (yes, seriously!). Check out five good news stories from our newsroom that you may have missed below.

1. A Northeast US climate initiative has had a major side benefit—healthier children

Researchers estimate a climate effort in the Northeast U.S. helped the region reduce toxic air pollution and avoid hundreds of asthma and autism cases, preterm births, and low birth weights.

2. Roadmap points Europe toward safer, sustainable chemicals

EU Commission releases ambitious strategy for getting hormone-disrupting chemicals out of food, products, and packaging.

3. Solar power on the rise at US schools

Report finds an 81% increase in K-12 schools using solar power over the last 5 years.

4. Pittsburgh’s Black farmers work to grow a new future

A small group of new farmers have seeded a movement to change the local food industry.

5. Derrick Z. Jackson: A Rhode Island city gets serious about climate justice

In its climate action plan, Providence, Rhode Island, is giving frontline residents' health equal billing with carbon reduction. Other cities should pay attention.


Banner photo: Ebony Lunsford-Evans, owner of FarmerGirlEB in Pittsburgh, helps a customer. (Credit: Brian Cook)

A row of solar panels with the city of Shanghai in the background

China to see solar capacity outstrip coal capacity this year

The China Electricity Council says that, by the end of 2026, wind and solar will account for nearly half of China’s power capacity.

A tin hut with a small solar panel on the roof

Solar energy gains ground across Africa, but challenges persist

Solar power is expanding rapidly across Africa, with some countries now generating a significant share of electricity from the sun, but energy poverty, battery risks and rising costs threaten future growth.
3D rendered illustration of solar system and battery storage

Battery demand 'straps on a rocket' in Australia as rooftop solar passes its peak

Even as Australia appears to have passed the peak of solar uptake, demand for batteries is seemingly headed into orbit.
Trump tried to gut science research funding. Courts and Congress have rebuffed him.

Trump tried to gut science research funding. Courts and Congress have rebuffed him.

A year ago, federal support for scientific research appeared to be crumbling. But thanks to Congress and several lawsuits, scientists’ worst fears haven’t come to pass.
Tall slag heaps in the distance with green fields and trees in the foreground

A coal town reborn

Once synonymous with mining, this northern French town has become a model for how to sustainably transition away from fossil fuels.
Yellow warning sign of bad weather ahead against stormy sky
Credit: Sergey Nivens/ BigStock Photo ID: 21067712

Flawed economic models mean climate crisis could crash global economy, experts warn

States and financial bodies using modeling that ignores shocks from extreme weather and climate tipping points.

A picnic table at a Texas-motif rest stop with an oil rig in the background.
Credit: Brandon Seidel/ BigStock Photo ID: 18985433

Federal judge blocks Texas law targeting critics of fossil fuels

The court ruled that it was unconstitutional to bar state agencies from investing with firms that the state had accused of boycotting the oil industry.
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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