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.

Some Minnesota libraries offer users chance to check out the great outdoors
Local libraries offer the chance to check out new books, DVDs, video games and more. However, for the past two years, some libraries across Minnesota also offer the chance to explore the outdoors with free state park passes. 
Panda Diplomacy: The departure of DC's beloved pandas may signal a wider Chinese pullback
The National Zoo’s three giant pandas are set to return to China in early December with no public signs that the 50-year old exchange agreement struck by former President Richard Nixon will continue.
Climate solutions are necessary. So NPR will dedicate a week to highlighting them
When people talk about climate change, you often hear hopelessness. But what if we reframe the conversation? Humans are driving global warming; that means humans can find solutions to turn it around.
New EV charging sites in rural Minnesota fill a gap
A new electric vehicle charging station opening soon in Fergus Falls will be one of the largest in the state. It’s part of an effort by Otter Tail Power Company to fill an EV charging gap in rural areas.
More seed collectors needed to help reforest Minnesota
The volunteer collectors are the primary source of seeds for the DNR tree nursery and fewer people are willing to do the work. Volunteers get paid a fee when they deliver seeds the DNR needs.
Scientist: 'Forever chemicals' are harming wildlife along with humans
A recently published paper documents the presence of PFAS chemicals in more than 600 species worldwide. In Minnesota, that includes bald eagles and walleye. “Humans have become the canary in the coal mine,” the paper’s lead author tells MPR News.