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.

UN says booming solar, wind and other green energy hits global tipping point for ever lower costs
The United Nations reports a global shift toward renewable energy, calling it a "positive tipping point." Tuesday's U.N. reports reveal that 92.5 percent of new electricity capacity in 2022 came from renewables, with wind and solar leading the way.
Environmental, conservation groups apply pressure on nitrate contamination in southeast Minnesota
Environmental groups and concerned well owners in southeast Minnesota hope a lawsuit against the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Department of Agriculture will open up the rulemaking process for manure and commercial fertilizer.
How a north Minneapolis pet resource center is responding to higher costs for pet owners
The North Minneapolis Pet Resource Center is booked through August to help provide pet supplies to families. The organization has plans to expand into a larger space to help serve more people and their pets.
New report looks at the many impacts of climate change to Great Lakes region
The report from the Environmental Law and Policy Center is an update to a 2019 assessment. Researchers found that the Great Lakes region is undergoing rapid environmental change, that will have serious impacts.  
Trump order gives Minnesota taconite plants more time to cut mercury pollution
After years of delay, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved a rule last year requiring Minnesota’s taconite industry to cut its mercury emissions. Now the Trump administration is giving facilities at least two more years to comply.
Ground squirrels are taking over a North Dakota city and officials are not amused
Ground squirrels have proliferated in Minot, North Dakota's fourth-largest city. They've burrowed everywhere from vacant lots to school grounds, residential areas and the downtown area.
Minnesota and North Dakota students launch mini-canoes to learn where their water goes
This spring, students from about 40 elementary schools released small canoes into streams in the Red River Valley. Anyone who finds them can help track their journey.
The healing benefits of nature
Did you know that simply taking a walk in a park can lower your blood pressure and the stress hormone cortisol? MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with her guests about the mental and physical health benefits of spending time in nature.
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