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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.

Air quality FAQ: What you need to know about the smoky air across Minnesota

Air quality FAQ: What you need to know about the smoky air across Minnesota

An air quality alert remains in effect for all of Minnesota through Tuesday, as what state officials call an “unprecedented” stretch of poor air quality continues to affect the region. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the smoky air.
by Dan Kraker

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A research vessel found SpongeBob lookalikes a mile under the ocean's surface

A research vessel found SpongeBob lookalikes a mile under the ocean's surface

A photo of a real-life sponge and starfish hanging out together delighted the internet. One scientist acknowledged that the fuss is a bit silly — but he said he welcomes the attention, if it gets people thinking about the life that is dwelling in the world's oceans.
by Laurel Wamsley

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Wildfire smoke: How to inhale less of it

Wildfire smoke: How to inhale less of it

An air quality alert remains in effect until Tuesday for most of Minnesota as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to make its way through the state and the surrounding region this week. MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with an allergist at Midwest Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists about what people can do to minimize inhaling harmful particles. 
by Cathy Wurzer and Ariana Rosas

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Why you should protect yourself from the smoky air

Why you should protect yourself from the smoky air

Much of the state will be blanketed by smoky, unhealthy air well into next week. Health experts say the polluted air can be harmful even to healthy people. The fine particles in wildfire smoke are smaller than a human hair and can penetrate into the sensitive tissue deep in our lungs.
by Dan Kraker

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Finding climate history in the river bottom

Finding climate history in the river bottom

The current drought is helping researchers who are studying the history of flooding in the Red River Valley. They’re collecting samples of old trees buried in the muddy river bottom to help build a regional climate picture going back hundreds of years.
by Dan Gunderson

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Minnesota co-ops to vote on North Dakota power plant sale

A Minnesota electric company that wants to sell its financially troubled coal-fueled power plant in North Dakota expects to know Friday if its member utility cooperatives will endorse the deal that includes purchasing electricity over the next decade from the factory’s prospective buyer.

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