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.

What to know about the bird flu outbreak in wild birds and what it means for backyard bird feeders
While most wild birds are susceptible to the disease, some species like mallards are more likely to carry the virus without symptoms. Others like geese tend to die in large numbers. 
Former 3M property in Hubbard County will become a wildlife management area
Land owned by 3M on Mantrap Lake in Hubbard County, will be transferred to the state Department of Natural Resources later this year after being acquired through a partnership with the Minnesota Land Trust and Northern Waters Land Trust.
A U.S. influencer outrages Australians by snatching a baby wombat from its mom
Outdoor enthusiast Sam Jones left Australia after posting a video of herself separating a baby wombat from its mom on a dark road. Australians are cheering her departure and worrying about the animal.
COVID boosted efforts to track diseases in wastewater
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, wastewater sampling wasn't routinely done for public health purposes. But as the case number climbed scientists and public health officials saw the value of getting a sneak peek of where the virus was spreading, and where the next hot spot might be.
Meteorologist-turned-lawmaker advocates for life-saving supplemental weather radar
DFL state Sen. Robert Kupec, who represents the region including Moorhead and Detroit Lakes, joined Cathy Wurzer on Tuesday’s Morning Edition to explain why he thinks the state should invest more than $3 million over the next two fiscal years in the project.
Supreme Court rejects Republican-led effort to halt climate change lawsuits in Democratic-led states
The Supreme Court has rejected a lawsuit from Republican attorneys general in 19 states aimed at blocking climate change suits against the oil and gas industry from Democratic-led states, including Minnesota.
Getting to Green: Can Minnesota get to carbon-free energy?
To slow a warming climate, Minnesotans would need to heat homes, travel and power factories without burning fossil fuels. MPR News correspondents Dan Kraker and Kirsti Marohn talk about what the shift to green power could look like under President Donald Trump.