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.

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Peregrine falcons at Mayo Clinic: How the world-renowned hospital came to raise birds of prey
For almost four decades, Mayo Clinic has raised peregrine falcons as part of a national recovery effort to save what had been an endangered species. Now, the peregrine falcon program is a beloved part of the world-renowned hospital's offerings.
Could clay halt toxic algae blooms? Minnesota researchers aim to find out
Clay is widely used as a treatment method in other countries, but it hasn’t gotten much attention in the U.S. Researchers from the University of Minnesota and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are proposing to test its use in Minneapolis stormwater ponds with a history of algal blooms.
Minnesota breweries are finding ways to 'climate-proof' their beer
Minnesota craft breweries are facing growing challenges from climate change as extreme weather makes key brewing grains harder to grow. In response, brewers and farmers are experimenting with resilient alternatives.
Air quality alert issued for Twin Cities for Friday afternoon, evening
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for the Twin Cities metro area from noon to 9 p.m. Friday. Air quality may reach the orange category — meaning unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Data centers roil local politics, spark Hermantown residents to reshape government
A plan for a massive data center is roiling local politics in Hermantown. Some residents of the town near Duluth have been fighting the proposed facility for months — and their outrage has some leading an effort to reshape how their local government operates.
Black bears move farther south and west in Minnesota; expert says don't fear
Andrew Tri, bear project leader at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, told MPR News their range has been stretching south and west since the ‘60s and ‘70s, but “markedly so over the last 20 years.”