Environmental News

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February 12, 2019 5:00 PM

The Twin Cities will feel like Kansas in 61 years

While the underlying science isn't new, the publication of new "climatic analogs" for 540 urban areas in North America aims to illustrate for the general public how significantly altered the climate will be without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

by Cody Nelson

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February 12, 2019 3:29 PM

Heading south: Warming to change how U.S. cities feel in 2080

The climate in New York City in 60 years could feel like Arkansas now. Chicago could seem like Kansas City and San Francisco could get a Southern California climate if global warming pollution continues at the current pace, a new study finds.

by Associated Press

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February 12, 2019 4:00 AM

Are there eco-friendly alternatives to road salt?

The chloride in road salt corrodes vehicles and bridges and can be harmful to pets -- and it has an outsize impact on water quality in the rivers, lakes and streams that capture its runoff. So now, public works agencies and homeowners alike are on the lookout for safer alternatives. A single answer has proven elusive.

by Kirsti Marohn

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February 12, 2019 4:00 AM

The unlikely contributor to Minn.'s greenhouse gas emissions: Your favorite lake

A biennial state report that assesses the greenhouse gases Minnesota emits now includes a newly understood source of the pollution that contributes to climate change.

by Elizabeth Dunbar

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February 12, 2019 4:00 AM

Walz's Commerce Dept. to renew Line 3 appeal

Last summer, state utility regulators approved the controversial $2.6 billion pipeline replacement project. Former Gov. Mark Dayton's administration appealed that decision. Walz announced Tuesday his administration will file its own challenge.

by Dan Kraker

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February 11, 2019 4:08 PM

Minnesota lawmaker seeks tougher action against deer disease

State Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn says Minnesota needs to take comprehensive action this year to stop the spread of chronic wasting disease among the state's wild deer.

by Associated Press and MPR News Staff

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February 11, 2019 11:14 AM

Tree-munching insects likely to survive cold

Several species of destructive tree-eating insects — some native to Minnesota, others not — actually are cold-hardy enough that they'll likely survive until spring.

by Elizabeth Dunbar and Kirsti Marohn

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February 11, 2019 6:23 AM

EPA decision soon on chemical compounds tied to health risks

There's growing evidence that long-term exposure to the perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl compounds, or PFAS, can be dangerous, even in tiny amounts.

by The Associated Press

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February 11, 2019 4:00 AM

A Beautiful World: Europe bans single-use plastic

In an environmentally historic vote, the European Parliament has moved to ban single-use plastic products across Europe. This ban outlaws plastic bags, straws, plates, cups, drink stirrers and cotton swabs.

by Heather McElhatton