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.

Remote Lake Superior island wolf numbers are stable but moose population declining, researchers say
Wildlife researchers say the wolf population on a remote Lake Superior island is stable. But they announced Tuesday that the moose population had declined by 14 percent from last year. Scientists have conducted an annual survey of Isle Royale’s wolves and moose since 1958.
Report finds Minnesota outpacing the country in carbon-free electricity
For the fourth straight year, Minnesota produced more than half its electricity from carbon-free sources in 2023, helping lead to a 10 percent annual drop in greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector, according to a new report.
DNA tests help monitor for honeybee disease
A DNA testing and research center in Fargo is expanding DNA testing for pathogens in honey bees. The genetic testing can provide early detection, and help monitor the prevalence of disease in bees.
‘I’m sorry we broke the sea and sky’: CNN chief climate correspondent on finding hope in climate change
Bill Weir’s new book is called “Life as We Know It (Can Be).” He wrote it as a letter to his 4-year-old son River on how to find hope in a world of climate change.
DNR sets limit on diverting water from central Minnesota trout stream
It’s the first time the DNR has used the new regulatory tool, which the Legislature authorized in 2023. The move marks a significant development in how the DNR addresses increased groundwater use and potential depletion in parts of Minnesota.
10 years after Flint, the fight to replace lead pipes across U.S. continues
Ten years ago, Flint, Mich., switched water sources to the Flint River. The lack of corrosion control in the pipes caused lead to leach into the water supply of tens of thousands of residents.
St. Paul adopts updates to bike plan, will add over 160 miles in next 15 years
Bicyclists will have an easier time navigating St. Paul in the future. This new reality comes on the heels of a move Wednesday night by the St. Paul City Council where members voted to build over 100 miles of new lanes and trails over the next 15 years. It’s a sweeping update since the city adopted its bike proposal in 2015.
How will Canada wildfires affect Minnesota air quality in 2024?
Drought, strong winds, warmer temperatures and a dry winter have created perfect conditions for a dangerous wildfire season — both here in Minnesota and across the border in Canada. Last summer, heavy smoke drifted south into Minnesota, causing a record number of air quality alerts.
Coal and new gas power plants will have to meet climate pollution targets
Fifteen years after the EPA said greenhouse gasses are a danger to public health, the agency finalized rules to limit climate-warming pollution from existing coal and new gas power plants.