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.

Climate talks end on a first-ever call for the world to move away from fossil fuels
Leaders from nearly 200 countries agreed on the need to transition away from fossil fuels. But representatives of nations most vulnerable to climate impacts were not happy with the final deal.
Heat pumps poised to accelerate Minnesota’s green energy transition
Heat pumps are making inroads in Minnesota as a cost-effective, carbon-friendly way to heat homes and businesses, and new state and federal incentives have the industry gearing up for more growth.
Plastic film recycling facility ramps up to fill gap in Minnesota
A new plastic film recycling plant in Rogers is filling a recycling gap in the Midwest. The company started production in August and plans to add more capacity over the next 18 months.
Minnesota farmers want help fending off voracious deer
Farmers across the state want the Department of Natural Resources to do more to curb damage from large herds of white-tailed deer. A DNR official said it would be difficult for the state to compensate farmers for all wildlife losses. But agency staff are drafting regulatory proposals to address the deer problem that they could unveil during the upcoming legislative session.
Large invasive carp catch in Mississippi triggers worry, new calls for deterrent
There's no evidence yet that invasive carp are reproducing in Minnesota. Still, some environmental advocates say the DNR should move quicker to stop invasive carp from establishing a permanent presence here.
Oil companies are embracing terms like 'lower carbon.' Here's what they really mean
The oil industry has a huge voice in this year's climate talks. But what are oil companies actually saying? And why does it matter? We break down their pledges and statements into plain English.
Bison herd helps restore Prairie Island community 
An established bison farm will give thousands of pounds of meat this winter to members of the community as tribal nations look for ways to control the production of Indigenous foods. 
North Dakota researchers find cost-effective way to extract rare-earth elements from coal
The U.S. is trying to reduce its dependence on China for the critical minerals and rare-earth elements needed to build everything from batteries for electric vehicles to military weapons systems. Part of the solution might come from a new extraction process developed in North Dakota.