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.

May 10, 2022 3:46 AM

Scientists give Earth a 50-50 chance of hitting key warming mark by 2026

The latest estimate from various forecast centers around the world say the planet is approaching a warming threshold international agreements are trying to prevent.

by The Associated Press

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

May 6, 2022 1:31 PM

Forest loss in 2021 emitted as much carbon as India does

Forests are supposed to help us remove carbon from the atmosphere. But forest loss to development and fires last year meant some forests added carbon to the atmosphere.

by Paul Huttner

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

May 4, 2022 1:55 PM

Report finds a quarter of Minnesota community plans don’t address climate caused extreme weather

A new MPCA report found 87 percent of survey respondents experience impact of severe weather.

by Hannah Yang

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

May 4, 2022 4:00 AM

New Bemidji State degree draws on Indigenous practices to teach 21st century sustainability

BSU students can now earn a full degree in Indigenous Sustainability Studies that builds on traditional philosophies and practices while also studying the mainstream sustainability techniques.

by Mathew Holding Eagle III

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

May 3, 2022 4:00 AM

EPA recommends Army Corps not reissue PolyMet water permit

While only a recommendation, the move by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency could deal a potentially severe blow to the controversial $1 billion mine proposed near Babbitt and Hoyt Lakes in northeastern Minnesota.

by Dan Kraker

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

May 2, 2022 4:00 AM

Vacuuming carbon from the air could stop climate change. Not everyone likes the idea

With the climate warming rapidly, scientists are finding that cutting fossil fuels may not be enough. Carbon dioxide emissions may need to be vacuumed right out of the air.

by Lauren Sommer

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

April 29, 2022 5:23 PM

A new tool lets metro residents track region's tree canopy

Growing Shade helps city leaders, nonprofits, and residents target efforts to plant trees to the areas that need them most.

by Paul Huttner

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

April 29, 2022 4:00 AM

A partial solar eclipse is happening soon. Here's who will be able to see it

During a partial solar eclipse, the moon is not perfectly aligned with the Earth and sun, so it will not completely cover the sun.

by Ayana Archie

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

April 27, 2022 9:33 AM

In Focus: Environmental justice and Minnesota’s climate future

MPR News host Twila Dang hosted this virtual discussion exploring some of the meaningful and culturally specific ways environmental justice is being addressed in our state.

by Twila Dang

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

April 26, 2022 1:52 PM

MPCA forecasts less severe air pollution from ozone, smoke this summer

Forecasters don’t anticipate anything near last year, when Minnesota experienced a record number of air quality alerts for unhealthy conditions.

by Kirsti Marohn

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.