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.

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.
Wildfire in Theodore Roosevelt National Park triples in size
Firefighters worked Monday to further contain a wildfire in Theodore Roosevelt National Park that tripled in size on Easter, according to the North Dakota Forest Service.
SW Minn. wind-solar hybrid project brings renewable hope, cultural concerns
A possible hurdle, as the project aims for regulatory approval, is its proximity to the Jeffers Petroglyphs historical and cultural site in Comfrey — home to an estimated 5,000 sacred rock carvings, made over the span of 7,000 years on an outcropping of Sioux quartzite. Today, it remains an active ceremonial site for Native American prayers and ceremony.