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.

Survivors reflect on the day the Pagami Creek Fire exploded 10 years ago
Ten years ago this weekend, the Pagami Creek Fire exploded into the biggest wildfire Minnesota had seen in over a century. What had been burning slowly in the Boundary Waters for weeks became an inferno, sweeping across 16 miles of the wilderness in a single day, overtaking campers and Forest Service rangers caught in its path.
Report: Solar could power 40% of U.S. electricity by 2035
A new federal report say solar energy has the potential to power up to 40 percent of the nation's electricity within 15 years — a 10-fold increase over current solar output. But it would require massive changes in U.S. policy and billions of dollars in federal investment to modernize the nation's electric grid.
Enough with the climate jargon: Scientists aim for clearer messages on global warming
People are likely to be confused by common terms such as "mitigation" and "carbon neutral," according to a recent study. How can scientists do a better job communicating about global warming?
Kernza farmers see a market for earth-friendly grain
Production of Kernza is growing in Minnesota and a Kernza cereal will be on store shelves starting this week. The perennial grain has been in development for decades and has several environmental benefits.
Sheltering inside may not protect you from the dangers of wildfire smoke
Tens of millions of Americans are forced to live with wildfire smoke now every year. New research shows that it's more invasive than previously thought, infiltrating homes, schools and offices.