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.

Extreme weather cost $280 billion globally in 2021
Large insurers are calling for urgent action on climate change after another year of costly catastrophic losses because of extreme weather.
Cities across Minnesota declare climate emergencies, demand action
From Moorhead to St. Louis Park, cities around the state are working with the Minnesota Cities Climate Caucus to draw local attention to the climate crisis, calling on state and federal governments for legislative and financial support. 
5 winter camping tips to get you out and about in the snow
Interested in winter camping? Check out these tips from Kurt Mead, an interpretive naturalist at Tettegouche State Park on Minnesota’s North Shore, and avid outdoorswoman Miah Ulysse.
Co-op to receive power from largest wind farm in ND
A Minnesota-based cooperative plans to receive power from what is expected to be the largest stand-alone wind farm in North Dakota.
Nationwide study will examine the effects of regenerative agriculture
An ambitious new study aims to track the effects of regenerative agriculture on 1,000 farms across the country. Regenerative agriculture is a set of farming practices focusing on soil health and enhanced biodiversity.
Some rural co-ops embrace renewable energy, keep rates flat
Although rural co-ops in the past have depended heavily on electricity generated by fossil fuels, some are now embracing renewable energy, driven by the falling cost of wind and solar as well as the demands of their green-minded members.
Forest Service announces 13 percent cut in Boundary Waters entry permits
About 23,000 fewer people will be allowed to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area each summer starting this year, according to newly released changes the U.S. Forest Service says are needed to relieve crowding and congestion and protect natural resources.