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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October 4, 2021 4:00 AM

Minnesota hawk watchers gear up for peak migration season

During the last decade, more than 7,000 birds of 19 total species have been recorded on average each fall, according to Bethany Lutheran College’s Hawkwatch webpage. Over the last three years, that number has jumped to 8,437 per fall season.

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October 3, 2021 12:58 PM

Crews race to limit damage from major California oil spill

Crews on the water and on shore worked feverishly Sunday to limit environmental damage from one of the largest oil spills in recent California history, caused by a suspected leak in an underwater pipeline that fouled the sands of famed Huntington Beach and could keep the beaches there closed for weeks or longer.

by The Associated Press

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October 3, 2021 8:34 AM

Heat waves are dangerous during pregnancy, but doctors don't often mention it

Heat waves are getting longer and more intense with climate change, which increases the risk of preterm birth. Pregnant people often don't hear about the dangers.

by Lauren Sommer

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October 2, 2021 5:04 PM

Dwindling Alaska salmon leave Yukon River tribes in crisis

Two salmon species have all but disappeared from Alaska's Yukon River this year, prompting the state to shut down fishing in an effort to save them. The ban has created desperation in tribal communities.

by The Associated Press

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October 1, 2021 5:39 PM

With last remaining fire-related closure lifted, the BWCA is now fully reopened

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is now fully reopened to visitors, after a summer of closures due to wildfires. Officials announced Friday that the last remaining closure order in the wilderness was now lifted.

by Andrew Krueger

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October 1, 2021 2:52 PM

Federal judge sets hearing on blocking Wisconsin wolf hunt

A federal judge on Friday scheduled a hearing for later this month on whether to block Wisconsin's fall wolf hunt.

by The Associated Press

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October 1, 2021 6:00 AM

5 Midwestern governors agree to create a network to charge electric vehicles

The bipartisan plan will help the Midwest "lead on electric vehicle adoption, reduce carbon emissions, spur innovation and create good-paying jobs," says Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

by Bill Chappell

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October 1, 2021 5:26 AM

Electric car sales pitch heads to northern Minnesota to drive up interest

Some have expressed skepticism about whether electric vehicles can hold up during the winter, to questioning the higher costs. But advocates say they’ve seen doubt change to acceptance quickly as more drivers switch to electric.

by Dan Gunderson

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October 1, 2021 4:00 AM

How the drought is impacting Minnesota's fall colors; and leaf-peeping tips

After a summer of high heat and drought across Minnesota, the DNR’s fall color expert had predicted this year's season would be a bit of a flop. But as we enter the first weeks of fall, her predictions have taken a turn.

by Carly Quast