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.

Amid dry conditions, DNR warns of danger from campfires, fireworks
Dry conditions in Minnesota increase the risk of wildfires during the Fourth of July holiday, urging caution with campfires and fireworks, as they are the primary cause of wildfires and alternative activities without flames should be considered.
Birds, bugs and climate change
Many bird species are in decline across North America, with decades of falling numbers. In western Minnesota, researchers are examining the link between climate change, birds and the insects they eat.
Cruise ship company that visited Duluth to leave the Great Lakes
American Queen Voyages, a cruise ship company that made two stops in Duluth this summer, has announced its plans to pull out of the Great Lakes starting next year. The move comes amid a surge in growth for the cruise industry on the Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway.
A big swath of the U.S. is under red and purple air quality alerts from Canada's smoke
In Madison, Wis., the air quality was measured at 242 Thursday morning — a “very unhealthy“ purple alert rating that many other communities shared, particularly in the Midwest.
Minnesota isn't alone: Air quality plummets across Midwest due to wildfires
Along with Minnesota, Chicago saw its air quality plummet, while other cities including Detroit, Milwaukee and Pittsburgh were experiencing unhealthy air quality levels.
Minnesota sets record for most air quality alerts in a season
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued a record 23rd air quality alert of the year Tuesday morning, as yet another round of smoke from Canadian wildfires drifts across southern and eastern parts of the state.