Environmental News

MPR News is your source for environment news from Minnesota and across the country.

Getting to Green: Minnesota’s energy future

Getting to Green is an MPR News series that shares stories about Minnesota’s clean energy transition, including what needs to be done to get there.

Submit a question or story for Getting to Green here.

Climate Cast

Listen to Climate Cast, the MPR News podcast all about our changing climate and its impact in Minnesota and worldwide.

Swine, seed art and solar: State Fair offers chance to learn about climate solutions
Minnesota farmers weren’t just eyeing the latest tractors on display at the State Fair this year. Many made their way over to the Eco Building to ask how they can rent their land out to solar developers.
California: Drought, record heat, fires and now maybe floods
The record-breaking heat that has pushed California's electrical grid to the breaking point for more than a week is almost over but it's a sign of things to come. Scientists say a warming planet will lead to hotter, longer and more wildfire-plagued heat waves.
Remember September? DNR says autumn leaves are on their way
While the first week of September felt more like summer than fall, that doesn’t mean fall colors won’t be here soon. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' first fall color finder report of the season is here.
Northern Minnesota researchers close in on sulfate pollution solution 
Researchers in northern Minnesota believe they're getting closer to solving an environmental problem that has long vexed the state; how to affordably remove sulfate pollution from water. 
The crisis in Jackson shows how climate change is threatening water supplies
Historic flooding and record droughts are stressing water systems across the country, and experts warn that with climate change intensifying the crisis in Jackson, Miss., may be just the beginning.
Drought revives ideas to shift water from Mississippi to help West
Proposals to send water from the Midwest to the southwestern U.S. — where an ongoing drought and population growth have created a looming water crisis — face significant environmental, legal and political obstacles.
California battles wildfires and faces blackouts during a brutal heat wave
Triple-digit temperatures are expected as energy officials warn the electrical load on Tuesday could reach the state's highest demand ever. Four deaths were reported as multiple wildfires burned.