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 view of a field under attack with bombs exploding

From fossil fuelled tanks to wildfires: How Russia’s war on Ukraine is destroying the planet

Experts warn that climate change and Russia’s war on Ukraine have created a “vicious cycle” with devastating consequences.
Two Nepalese porters playing chess

As Nepal votes, climate change is an elephant in the room for Sherpa community

Seasonal migration and low resident voter presence in Nepal’s Sagarmatha region mean election campaigns concentrate on infrastructure rather than climate adaptation, leaving long-term environmental resilience underprioritized.

A dark storm cloud with rain in the distance

Less air pollution means more warming. Could cloud brightening help?

Computer simulations reveal that spraying sea salt aerosols may keep global temperatures near 2020 levels as air pollution falls—but may also redraw regional weather patterns.
Two Korean farmers looking at a melon in a greenhouse

South Korean farmers sue utility giant KEPCO over climate damage to crops

Five farmers in South Korea are plaintiffs in a landmark civil suit against state-owned utility KEPCO for climate-related agricultural damages.
A natural gas power plant at sunset

Data center developers asked Trump for relief from pollution rules

Though the companies weren't granted exemptions, their requests illustrate the data center industry's desperate quest for energy.

Webinar: Plastic chemicals, climate & health: impacts across the lifecycle

On Feb. 26, Dr. Leo Trasande and Rosemary Ahtuangaruak will explore the deep interconnections between plastics, health, and climate change, with a specific focus on the Arctic. Sponsored by CHE-Alaska.

Modern luxury villa with private yacht
Credit: photosvit/BigStock Photo ID: 478496353

Epstein files reveal how the ultra-wealthy peddle climate denialism

Jeffrey Epstein and his vast network of elite figures routinely traded in myths that undermine climate progress. Experts say it's not an accident.
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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