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.

Mississippi River city ponders a flood wall it has long rejected
Among Mississippi River communities, Davenport, Iowa, stands out for the simple reason that people there can actually dip their toes in the river without scaling a flood wall or levee. But the city is confronting a painful question: Can it still remain connected with the river without being overwhelmed by it?
Monarch butterfly blitz needs citizen scientists
Scientists are looking for volunteers to collect observational data about monarch butterflies over the next week. The data will help inform decisions about where to focus efforts to help the dwindling monarch population.
Invasive viburnum leaf beetle found in Minnesota for the first time
For the first time, the viburnum leaf beetle has been confirmed in the state. A resident of Eden Prairie found the insect feeding on arrowwood viburnum leaves in June and contacted the state Department of Agriculture.
Surf's up on Minnesota's hottest lake sport, but not everyone's on board
Wakesurfing has been gaining popularity on Minnesota lakes — but it has plenty of detractors who say the boats used in the sport erode shorelines, affect water quality and disturb other lake users.
Small towns fear they are unprepared for future climate-driven flooding
The central U.S. just experienced the most widespread river flooding ever recorded there. Flood defenses in major cities largely performed well, but many smaller communities were simply overwhelmed.
On the North Shore, many hands work to help a dying forest
Insects, invasives and hotter temps are laying waste to Minnesota’s northeastern forests. People are working now to rebuild the North Woods, making them more resilient to climate change without losing the grandeur Minnesotans know and love.