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.

State regulators push ahead with 'clean car' rules, despite GOP opposition
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is pushing ahead with proposed “clean car” regulations, despite strong opposition from many Republican legislators. Meanwhile, supporters say it's only a small step toward what's really needed to prevent the worst effects of climate change.
Corporations nudge farmers to help the environment
Cargill and General Mills are offering incentives to farmers who adopt the principles of regenerative agriculture. It's a set of farming practices that make growing food more environmentally friendly. And as interest grows, so does the debate over how to define and measure the new system.
Why storytelling may be the best bet to inspire action on climate change
There’s been a strong scientific consensus for decades that humans are rapidly changing the Earth's climate. But facts and data haven't been enough to spur the urgent changes needed to prevent the most devastating impacts of climate change. So activists in Minnesota and elsewhere are instead turning to a different strategy, focused on sharing personal stories.
Hunting group sues to force Wisconsin wolf season
A national hunting group filed a lawsuit Tuesday to force an immediate start to Wisconsin's wolf season before President Joe Biden's administration restores federal protections for the animals.
Federal scientists confirm virtual tie for hottest year on record
The average global temperatures in 2020 and 2016 were within a few hundredths of a degree. The Earth is about 2 degrees Fahrenheit warmer now than it was in the middle of the 20th century.
Michigan approves Great Lakes oil pipeline tunnel permits
Michigan's environmental agency said Friday it has approved construction of an underground tunnel to house a replacement for a controversial oil pipeline in a channel linking two of the Great Lakes.
Hope and skepticism as Biden promises to address environmental racism
Environmental racism means that people of color experience more air and water pollution than white people, and suffer the health impacts. Can President Joe Biden change that?