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.

For Earth Day, preventing food waste in the kitchen
Mary Schroeder, health and nutrition extension educator at the University of Minnesota, talks about how small steps in the kitchen can reduce food waste and protect the environment.
New book by Paul Douglas breaks down climate science for children
The new book “A Kid’s Guide to Saving the Planet” was written by long time Twin Cities meteorologist, broadcaster and entrepreneur Paul Douglas. He talks with Cathy Wurzer about writing a book to help young people understand climate change so they can get active on the issue.
New research confirms old theory: Wolves really do prefer old and sick moose
Michigan Tech scientists found Isle Royale wolves show a definite preference for old moose and those with osteoarthritis. Researchers say it helps in keeping moose populations healthy on the big Lake Superior island.
Wildfires are increasingly contributing to unhealthy air
The rising number of fires hamper decades of environmental efforts, and over 40 percent of Americans — more than 137 million people — live in places with poor air quality, a new report says.
Study finds patterns of chemical exposure in MN children
While concerning, the levels found were lower or similar to the U.S. average in kids. Finding that a child has been exposed to a chemical doesn’t necessarily mean that their health will be adversely affected, a state health official said.
To fight climate change, and now Russia, too, Zurich turns off natural gas
Zurich, Switzerland, is shutting down the gas supply to some neighborhoods. Originally aimed at fighting climate change and saving money, it's also a step to cut gas imports from Russia.
Avian influenza deaths in wild birds raise concern about changing virus
Waterfowl carry the avian influenza virus across the country as they migrate, leading to outbreaks in domestic poultry flocks. But this year, the virus is killing more wild birds than past outbreaks. Scientists are trying to understand what that means for the future of this virus.