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.

EPA proposes new regulations for lead in drinking water
The new proposal is being criticized for not proactively replacing lead service lines across the nation. It also keeps the same threshold for lead in drinking water that the U.S. currently has.
Climate curious: What is THE most important thing a person can do to fight climate change?
With limited time and resources, individuals, companies and governments are searching for the actions that will make the biggest dent in the emissions contributing to climate change. But there is no silver bullet.
Harsh winter, wet spring cast a shadow over pheasant population, hunting season
Minnesota’s pheasant hunting season kicks off this weekend, but the outlook isn’t so bright for hunters this year. Record-amount snow and rain delayed pheasant nesting by 10 days later than average, and the longterm trend of pheasant population decrease continues this year, the DNR says.
Why U.S. cities like Minneapolis are banning new fast-food drive-thrus
Most of the bans aim to curb emissions and protect pedestrians. The bans are also sometimes touted as a way to help fight obesity, but past studies suggest they don't have that effect.
In Minnesota, a new push to fight climate change — and make money — from forests
Programs that pay landowners to keep carbon sequestered in forests are beginning to spread, now that California has a cap and trade system designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Some say Minnesota should be a bigger player in the carbon offset market.
Stuffed with sockeye salmon, 'Holly' wins 'Fat Bear Week' heavyweight title
The annual competition is put on by Alaska's Katmai National Park & Preserve to choose the fattest bear. This year, Holly beat out Lefty in the championship round, winning 80 percent of the votes.
Minnesota officials burn, bury, worry as chronic wasting spreads
There is no perfect, affordable way to dispose of deer carcasses potentially infected with chronic wasting disease. Crow Wing County offers a look at the stark challenges some Minnesota communities face as they try to keep the disease in check and control the environmental contamination.
Climate One series: How pro-sports can be a player in climate change
From stadiums packed with energetic fans to food, beer and waste, sports can have a big carbon footprint. Many sports franchises in baseball, hockey, basketball and football are embracing sustainability in venue design, waste, water, energy and food operations. And some athletes are speaking out about the bigger world around them.
Swedish teen climate activist to visit Dakotas reservations
A 16-year-old Swedish climate activist who garnered international attention when she scolded world leaders at the United Nations is visiting American Indian reservations in the Dakotas to talk about oil pipelines.