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.

Cargo ship sets sail with 'WindWings' created by Minnesota's Cargill
Minnesota-based Cargill has developed modern sails they’re calling ‘WindWings’ that allow giant cargo ships to harness wind energy. And last week, the first ever vessel outfitted with the giant 123-foot sails embarked on a test journey from China to Brazil.
Minnesota's First Feline goes missing
On Aug. 26 Gov. Tim Walz’s orange tabby cat, Afton, went missing from his Eastcliff residence in St. Paul. He has removed his Apple AirTag.
Growing diversity: The changing face of Minnesota farming
Don’t miss this special North Star Journey Live conversation recorded at the Minnesota State Fair about emerging farmers. What’s being done in our state to encourage more diversity in agriculture?
Audio Postcard: Purple and gold pepper a prairie voyage
Kelly Povo and Phyllis Root find bundles of purple Blazing Star and yellow Goldenrod in Lost Valley Prairie Scientific and Natural Area, just north of Hastings, Minn.
What’s in our water?
Chemicals and microbes are entering our water systems. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about how to make sure our drinking water is safe and the water in our lakes and waterways won’t make us sick.  
Swimmers complete record 24-hour Lake Superior relay — without wetsuits
Six swimmers completed a 48-mile, 24-hour relay in Lake Superior, from Split Rock Lighthouse to Duluth, without wetsuits — to set a record and to raise awareness of the impacts of climate change on one of the world’s largest lakes.
The EPA removes federal protections for most of the country's wetlands
The amended EPA rule is to comply with a Supreme Court ruling this year that narrowed the scope of the Clean Water Act and the agency's power to regulate waterways and wetlands.
3M 'forever chemicals' settlement moves forward
Attorneys general in 22 states have dropped their objections to a multibillion-dollar settlement over water contamination by chemicals made by 3M. Lawsuits sought damages for contamination of public water supplies.