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.

5 things to know about Japan's Fukushima water release in the Pacific
The water comes from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Although most scientists agree it does not pose an immediate environmental threat, some are worried about the long-term consequences.
Here's why 6,000 octopuses like to be under the sea at an 'octopus garden'
Over 6,000 octopuses have been found huddling around an extinct volcano deep in the Pacific Ocean near California, and researchers now think they understand why the octopuses find it so cozy.
Beekeeping program at Faribault prison teaches inmates job skills, confidence
A beekeeping course at a minimum security prison in Faribault, Minn., is setting up a potential career path for some inmates. The training includes an outdoor classroom where inmates take care of bees — but the bees are also taking care of the inmates.
Excessive heat warning for southern, central Minnesota
Minnesota could set some heat records this week, as the next few days could bring us the first 100-degree day in August in 35 years for the Twin Cities. Here’s what you need to know to beat the heat.
Video: Mountain lion takes a backyard stroll in Duluth
Nathaniel Smith expected to see a bear when his home webcam pinged him at 3 a.m. Monday to tell him something was in his yard. Instead, he saw a mountain lion darting between his grill and the patio furniture.
Prime, grass fed — bird friendly? Audubon Society label coming to a meat aisle near you
The Audubon Society is expanding its ranch certification program to the Midwest, in an effort to create consumer demand for bird-friendly ranching practices. A farmer in Clearwater, Minn., is one of the first in the state to start the process.
Tropical Storm Hilary moves on from California, leaving a trail of damage and debris
The first tropical storm to hit Southern California in more than 80 years sparked road closures, school cancellations and power outages on Sunday evening before moving north to Nevada.