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.

April 26, 2022 4:00 AM

Coal capital Becker could be home to state’s largest solar project

Xcel Energy is proposing a 460-megawatt solar project to replace some of the electricity produced by the Sherco coal plant, which will shut down by 2030.

by Kirsti Marohn

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April 24, 2022 3:48 PM

Antarctica's 'Penguin Post Office' is hiring

If you can sort mail, sell postage stamps and count penguins, this could be the job for you.

by Rina Torchinsky

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April 24, 2022 4:00 AM

‘The fact is we’re behind’: Minn. climate plan calls for swift, strong action

The Climate Action Framework lays out expansive goals and actions in a broad range of areas, from transportation to clean energy to agriculture.

by Kirsti Marohn

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April 23, 2022 5:39 PM

For the first time in 4 years, a litter of red wolf pups was born in the wild

The red wolf is one of the most endangered animals on the planet. That's why environmentalists were ecstatic to find the first litter born in the wild in four years — six pups.

by Dustin Jones

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April 22, 2022 5:05 PM

For Earth Day, University of Minnesota Morris professor collects 'Prayers for a Feverish Planet'

University of Minnesota Morris professor Ann DuHamel put out a call for compositions inspired by climate change. She received more than 170 pieces from musicians in 35 countries and will perform some of them this weekend.

by Tom Crann and Megan Burks

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April 22, 2022 4:00 PM

Climate change drives longer, more intense pollen seasons

Growing seasons are getting longer and plants are emitting more pollen as temperatures and carbon dioxide increase.

by Paul Huttner

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April 22, 2022 3:25 PM

For Earth Day, preventing food waste in the kitchen

Mary Schroeder, health and nutrition extension educator at the University of Minnesota, talks about how small steps in the kitchen can reduce food waste and protect the environment.

by Tom Crann and Sarah Gelbard

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April 22, 2022 4:01 AM

Biden will order a study of old-growth forests in an Earth Day executive action

America's oldest trees store vast amounts of carbon. Counting them is the first step to preserving them, says the Biden administration.

by Laura Benshoff

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April 22, 2022 4:00 AM

10 stories about the environment in Minnesota and how you can reduce your impact

This Friday is Earth Day and we’re recalling some of our favorite stories about how climate change impacts Minnesota and how to help take care of the environment.

by Sam Stroozas

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April 21, 2022 1:52 PM

New book by Paul Douglas breaks down climate science for children

The new book “A Kid’s Guide to Saving the Planet” was written by long time Twin Cities meteorologist, broadcaster and entrepreneur Paul Douglas. He talks with Cathy Wurzer about writing a book to help young people understand climate change so they can get active on the issue.

by Cathy Wurzer and Simone Cazares

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