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.

How a drop in oil prices today could fuel tomorrow's energy transition
Demand for oil will increase when stay-at-home orders are lifted. But the oil industry may be slow to meet that demand, sending oil prices soaring — along with consumers’ interest in alternatives.
Climate change threatens Great Lakes shoreline with erosion
Climate change is increasing erosion on what’s known as the nation’s “third coast” — the Great Lakes shoreline. And that’s threatening beaches, parks and other recreation areas used by people from cities across the region. 
DNR wrapping up Minnesota's first biological 'census'
As Earth Day marks its 50th year, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is putting the finishing touches on the state’s first comprehensive survey of this corner of the earth. It’s logged both unexpected discoveries and sobering observations about the health of our environment.
After the flood: How Chicago is coping with the effects of climate change
Chicago is encountering firsthand the effects of climate change on the Great Lakes, the result of record-high lake levels, warmer temperatures, and more frequent major storms.
As people stay home, Earth turns wilder and cleaner
Air pollution is down 30 percent in the northeastern U.S. and 49 percent in Rome. Coyotes, pumas and goats are wandering around cities. Sea turtles are nesting better without human interference. Scientists think of this as a grand but unintended experiment that shows how much of a footprint humanity has on the planet. 
Climate change undercuts air pollution improvements
More Americans are breathing unhealthy air, even though overall air pollution has decreased in recent decades. In the tug-of-war between air regulations and climate change, global warming is winning.