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.

Biden introduces his climate team, says 'no time to waste'
Just as the United States has needed a unified, national response to COVID-19, it needs one for dealing with climate change, President-elect Joe Biden said Saturday as he rolled out key members of his environmental team.
Minnesota moves ahead with 'clean car' rules
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency plans to publish a draft rule on Monday requiring carmakers to make more zero-emissions vehicles available for sale in the state. The goal is to reduce Minnesota’s greenhouse gas emissions, but auto dealers and some lawmakers argue it will drive up the cost of cars and trucks.
2 former Obama officials are crucial to Biden's sweeping climate plans
The Biden administration will view climate change as an urgent crisis, and two former Obama Cabinet officials from Massachusetts will be key to taking on the challenge.
2020 was supposed to be cooler — it could be hottest on record
La Niña weather patterns are supposed to bring cooler weather. But 2020 could become the hottest on record despite in being a La Niña year.
Biden to nominate Brenda Mallory to run Council on Environmental Quality
Mallory, an Obama veteran, would take the helm at a White House office where she worked as former general counsel. The CEQ is seen as critical to address climate change and environmental equity.
How to have a more environmentally friendly holiday
The holidays are filled with beautifully wrapped gifts, colorful string lights and delicious food. Most of these items will end up in the trash and head straight for a landfill. Here’s a guide on how you can have a more sustainable holiday.
Climate One series year-end review: Climate change in a year of many crises
For the first time ever, climate change helped to galvanize a record number of voters to elect Joe Biden to the Presidency. How has the focus on climate change shifted in a year shaped by multiple social and economic crises? In this special episode, host Greg Dalton looks back at the climate stories of 2020.