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.

UN: Greenhouse gas concentrations hit a new record in 2020
The United Nations weather agency also pointed to signs of a worrying new development. It said that parts of the Amazon rainforest have gone from being a carbon "sink" that sucks carbon dioxide from the air to a source of CO2 due to deforestation and reduced humidity in the region.
The COP26 summit to fight climate change is about to start. Here's what to expect
A major climate meeting is about to get underway in Glasgow, Scotland. It's a pivotal moment in the struggle against climate change. But it's taking place in the midst of political tensions.
The tongue-eating louse does exactly what its name suggests
It's the stuff of nightmares, or science fiction: a parasite that wants to get inside an animal's mouth, where it attacks — and replaces — the tongue.
Saudi Arabia pledges 2060 target of net-zero emissions
One of the world's largest oil producers, Saudi Arabia joins more than 100 countries in a global effort to try and curb man-made climate change. Energy exports form the backbone of Saudi Arabia's economy, despite efforts to diversify revenue as the world increasingly looks to transition away from reliance on fossil fuels.
Judge issues injunction blocking Wisconsin fall wolf hunt
A judge has granted a request from wildlife advocacy groups and blocked Wisconsin's fall wolf hunt two weeks before hunters were set to take to the woods. Dane County Circuit Judge Jacob Frost issued a temporary injunction Friday halting the season, which was set to begin Nov. 6.
Minnesota, Finland agree to team up on climate change
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has signed a letter of understanding with Finland, pledging to encourage the state's agencies, universities and businesses to collaborate with Finland on sustainable technology.
Federal plan to study environmental impacts of mining near BWCA draws praise, scorn
Opponents of copper-nickel mining near the Boundary Waters are cheering a decision from the Biden administration that could lead to a 20-year mining moratorium in the region. But supporters of the proposed Twin Metals mine near Ely say it threatens a chance to cash in on a rich treasure trove of valuable metals.
What to know about the EPA's plan to regulate 'forever chemicals' in drinking water
The Environmental Protection Agency is moving to regulate so-called "forever chemicals." Known as PFAS, these chemicals are found in a variety of household products and have been linked to health problems, including some cancers. The chemicals have contaminated water supplies throughout the U.S., including here in Minnesota.