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.

Minnesota prepares as heat wave may bring 100-degree temperatures to the state
Temperatures are forecast to climb into the 90s — possibly even exceeding 100 degrees — across parts of the state in the coming days, accompanied by increased humidity. Officials are urging people to take steps to keep themselves safe in the heat.
Concern about crops sprouts amid extreme drought, heat
Extreme drought and sweltering heat are sowing trouble for Minnesota corn crops and backyard gardens alike. Nick Peterson, a member of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association Board of Directors and a farmer in Clear Lake, says it’s been a “trying summer” due to the complicated conditions.
Rabbits have overrun a suburban Florida community. Volunteers hop to the rescue
Two years after a resident allegedly let loose lionhead rabbits, the fluffy animals now outnumber the homes in the Jenada Isle neighborhood. The bunny invasion has left some locals hopping mad.
Endangered Dakota skippers released in renewed prairie landscape
A butterfly species once common on Minnesota’s prairie is fluttering again over native flowers and grasses. Hundreds of endangered Dakota skipper butterflies were reintroduced to Glacial Lakes State Park.
An otter turned outlaw continues to evade wildlife officials in Santa Cruz
Otter 841 has become a celebrity after a month of stealing surfboards at a popular beach in Santa Cruz. Authorities are trying to catch her, but the otter's fans want her to be left alone in the wild.
How climate change could cause a home insurance meltdown
It's increasingly expensive and difficult to get home insurance, as losses rise from climate-driven disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes. And the solutions aren't always politically popular.
Amid a record heat wave, Texas construction workers lose their right to rest breaks
In June, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law undoing local protections that ensured breaks for laborers who spend their days in scorching heat. The law takes effect Sept. 1.
Health data roundup: COVID-19 in deer, cannabis-related emergency visits for kids
We’ve got mainly good news on COVID-19 in humans, but bad for deer. Also: cannabis storage safety and a recent downward trend in marijuana use among Minnesota teens.