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.

Dwindling Alaska salmon leave Yukon River tribes in crisis
Two salmon species have all but disappeared from Alaska's Yukon River this year, prompting the state to shut down fishing in an effort to save them. The ban has created desperation in tribal communities.
With last remaining fire-related closure lifted, the BWCA is now fully reopened
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is now fully reopened to visitors, after a summer of closures due to wildfires. Officials announced Friday that the last remaining closure order in the wilderness was now lifted.
Electric car sales pitch heads to northern Minnesota to drive up interest
Some have expressed skepticism about whether electric vehicles can hold up during the winter, to questioning the higher costs. But advocates say they’ve seen doubt change to acceptance quickly as more drivers switch to electric.
How the drought is impacting Minnesota's fall colors; and leaf-peeping tips
After a summer of high heat and drought across Minnesota, the DNR’s fall color expert had predicted this year's season would be a bit of a flop. But as we enter the first weeks of fall, her predictions have taken a turn.
Leaf now! Head north this weekend for Minnesota's best fall colors
Fall colors are starting to pop across the state. Most areas north of St. Cloud are either at peak or are approaching peak fall colors. Here are some recommendations on where to go for the best leaf peeping.
Droughts are causing leaves to turn brown and wither before they can reach peak color. Heat waves have prompted leaves to fall before autumn even arrives. And extreme weather events like hurricanes strip trees of their leaves altogether.