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.

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.
Climate change is making some species of animals shape-shift
Just like humans, researchers say animals also have to adapt to climate change. The shifts for some warm-blooded animals are occurring over a far shorter time period than would usually happen.
What's stopping weed growers from going greener?
The legal cannabis industry is booming. So are greenhouse gas emissions from growers.
Drought sparks interest in water-saving alternatives to thirsty lawns
The University of Minnesota’s turfgrass research team is studying and promoting different types of grass that require less water and chemicals, but still thrive. 
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.
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.
What are some key decisions in fighting fires?
Thousands of wildfires burn in the U.S. each year, and each one requires firefighters to make many decisions.