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.

Green roofs may bring long-term energy savings
Walking past the blank concrete walls of Williamson Hall, it's hard to imagine the roof was once a maze of diverse plant life. The University of Minnesota research project on green roofs is coming to a close, but the question remains of what to do with the research.
First ever gypsy moth caterpillar in Minn. confirmed
Minnesota agriculture officials have confirmed the first-ever sighting of a gypsy moth caterpillar in the state -- in Duluth. It's a disturbing discovery that hints at threats of deforestation in coming years.
Oil spill work on hold as Bonnie approaches
Work to permanently choke off the oil well that had been spewing into the Gulf of Mexico was at a standstill Friday after ships around the site were ordered to evacuate ahead of the approaching Tropical Storm Bonnie.
The St. Croix River: Balancing nature with development
The scenic character of the St. Croix River has made it a magnet for rapid development -- and the pollution that comes with it. The job of cleaning up the St. Croix largely falls to local officials, who are looking for more ways to balance development with conservation.
Groups representing states and cities in the Great Lakes region kicked off a $2 million study Thursday of how to slam the door on exotic species such as Asian carp by cutting links between the lakes and the Mississippi River watershed.