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.

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.
Line 3 construction barrels ahead, despite efforts to block it
More than 4,000 workers are expected in northern Minnesota over the next couple weeks to help build the contentious Line 3 oil pipeline replacement. At the same time, activists are escalating their efforts to block it, while law enforcement officials are trying to keep the peace.
Report: Water protection rollbacks not based on solid science
A new report by a group of environmental economists says the Trump administration used flawed methodology to justify rolling back federal protections for wetlands and streams.
Toledo Zoo discovers Tasmanian devils that glow
A conservation technician at the Toledo Zoo recently discovered the Tasmanian devils had biofluorescent ears, eyes and snout. It's not exactly clear what purpose the trait serves in mammals.