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.

15 essential books to better understand climate change
Professors at universities and colleges across the state say one of the best ways to understand climate change is simple: reading. 
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.
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.
Unexpected medical issue grounds Isle Royale wolf-moose survey
Researchers from Michigan Tech University were unable to conduct their annual wolf-moose survey on Isle Royale this past winter. A last-minute medical issue grounded their ski-plane pilot, and no replacement was found in time. 
Authorities continue search for bear that seriously wounded woman in northwest Wisconsin
The Wisconsin DNR said it appears the bear was a female with a cub nearby. But the DNR said preliminary findings suggest the bear exhibited not defensive behavior — but rather “a sustained series of aggressive behaviors towards the victim.”
Wolf pups at Ely center acclimate to people while helping advance scientific research
Cedar and Rowan, the two newest wolf pups at Ely’s International Wolf Center, are stars of science in two research studies before they’re integrated into the center’s wolf pack that’s on display.