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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Listen to Climate Cast, the MPR News podcast all about our changing climate and its impact in Minnesota and worldwide.

January 31, 2019 3:21 PM

Federal judge lifts hold on lawsuits against PolyMet mine; other challenges continue

A federal judge has lifted a hold that had been placed on four lawsuits challenging the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota.

by Dan Kraker

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January 31, 2019 10:43 AM

Why climate change cost the U.S. $160 billion last year

The world's biggest insurers say climate change is costing us billions.

by Paul Huttner

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January 31, 2019 5:46 AM

Why is it so *&%# cold? Come warm up in the answer vortex

The polar vortex has brought air so incredibly cold it may set low-temperature records. Will it ever be warm again?

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January 31, 2019 4:00 AM

New site for BWCA permit reservations shuttered soon after launch

A new reservation system for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness permits malfunctioned not long after it went online Wednesday morning.

by Dan Kraker

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January 30, 2019 6:24 PM

Massive starfish die-off is tied to global warming

Sea stars along the Pacific Coast are dying in the largest disease epidemic ever documented in a wild marine species. New research suggests warmer water is making the disease even more deadly.

by Rebecca Hersher

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January 30, 2019 6:00 PM

Growing acceptance of climate change. Now what?

More than seven out of 10 Americans now say climate change matters to them personally. But those same people aren't willing to do anything to stop it. Why is there the disconnect? And what would it take to get people to act?

by Tiffany Hanssen and Kelly Gordon

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January 30, 2019 4:52 PM

How do birds survive the cold?

It might not seem as though feathers could be enough to keep a bird from freezing when temperatures dip to double digits below zero. But the birds are surprisingly well-equipped to survive the extreme cold during Minnesota's winter.

by Kirsti Marohn

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January 30, 2019 4:00 AM

Cold comfort: Subzero weather great for Minnesota's lakes

The frigid temperatures this week are keeping Minnesotans indoors, but there's a bright spot. Experts say bitterly cold weather actually can have positive impacts on lakes from curbing the growth of harmful algae to reducing water loss.

by Kirsti Marohn