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.

How the U.S. could halve climate emissions by 2030
Environmental groups and business leaders are pushing President Joe Biden to cut U.S. emissions 50 percent by 2030. The question is: what kind of climate policies will work that fast?
Climate politics: Key takeaways from climate change action at the Legislature
Climate change has emerged as a top issue for the Biden administration, which is trying to push the country more quickly toward a carbon-free future. In Minnesota, the Democrat-led House is also pushing for sweeping climate legislation. But there’s a significant gulf in the state Senate, where many Republicans don’t see climate change as an urgent threat.
New method aims to herd, capture invasive carp in Mississippi
Last week, a team of biologists and technicians from state and federal agencies captured and harvested invasive carp from a stretch of the Mississippi River in far southeastern Minnesota. It was part scientific survey, part defensive battle against a notorious aquatic invader that has been steadily progressing up the Mississippi.
Carbon emissions could plummet. The atmosphere will lag behind
The U.S. plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions dramatically in the next decade. Scientists say it's crucial that the U.S. succeed. Still, many of the positive effects won't arrive for decades.
Audio postcard: Too many signs of spring to count
If you're looking for ways to get outside this weekend but need a little inspiration, here’s a tip: it’s not too early to go looking for wildflowers in Minnesota.
Your weather forecast update: Warmer climate will be the new 'normal'
In May, NOAA will release its once-a-decade update for the 30-year weather averages that local meteorologists use. In many places, it will mean far fewer days that are “above normal.”
Wildfire in Theodore Roosevelt National Park 45 percent contained
Firefighters are making headway against a blaze in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. The fire in the park's North Unit tripled in size on Sunday, threatening park staff housing, maintenance buildings and the CCC Campground. 
What the cherry blossom bloom can tell us about climate change
Kyoto's cherry blossom peak bloom this year was the earliest on record in 1,200 years. That's worth noting, given that when a cherry blossom blooms can tell us a lot about climate change.