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.

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Climate Cast

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

The U.S. pledged billions to fight climate change. Then came the Ukraine war
The U.S. promised to slash its emissions and send tens of billions of dollars to low-lying and less well-off nations. The war in Ukraine is delaying that even as the toll from climate change rises.
Sharing what you see outside could help research. Here's how to do that in 3 steps
From the songs of sparrows outside your apartment window to the purple crocuses bursting into bloom in a nearby park – all that nature you're observing could actually be helpful to scientists. Here's a step-by-step guide to becoming a community scientist.
California just ran on 100% renewable energy, but fossil fuels aren't fading away yet
California broke its record for renewable energy when solar and wind provided enough to meet all consumer demand. At the time, natural gas power plants were still on, a necessity for the grid.
Part fishing, part carnival, the annual spring smelt run always brings hordes of anglers to the shore of Lake Superior, hoping to fill buckets and coolers full of the small, silvery fish. But state officials recommend eating only one meal of smelt a month because of concerns over PFOS pollution. 
Tribes’ spring fish harvest provides food, preserves culture
With the ice finally gone on most Minnesota lakes, the annual tradition of spearing or netting fish is underway. The spring harvest is an exercise of tribal treaty rights, and the result of a long-fought legal battle.