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.

Live at National Press Club: National Park Service director Jonathan Jarvis
The National Park Service is 100 years old this month, and Park Service director Jonathan Jarvis talks about what many have called "America's best idea." President Franklin Roosevelt said "there is nothing so American as our national parks" and they show that "the country belongs to the people."
The U wants your help counting seals in Antarctica
No, it doesn't mean a trip to the South Pole. A citizen-science project seeks to use the public's assistance in remotely counting Weddell seals.
Water managers take public comment after seven floods at Minnesota-Canada border
For 15 years water levels on Minnesota's border lakes have been governed the same way, and the area has flooded seven times. This week the public will help decide if water level management should change.
As storms erode California's cliffs, buried village could get washed away
Until now, the archaeological philosophy at Redwood National Park has been "keep it in the ground." But for one Native American site, climate change may force the park to reconsider that approach.
Minnesota author's guide to a bee-friendly backyard
With Minnesota beekeepers reporting they lost half of their bee colonies last year, some people are looking for ways to help pollinators thrive. A new book offers advice for urban gardeners.
Canadian oil spill threatens drinking water
An oil slick has forced the city of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, to shut down its water treatment plant, after a pipeline dumped tens of thousands of gallons into the North Saskatchewan River.
Taking a conservative approach to clean energy
A new group aims to give conservatives a voice in natural gas, wind and solar energy policies.
Feeling sweaty, Minnesota? Blame the corn
Prairies once kept the region comfy in hot weather. But when cropland replaced prairies, the change jacked up the humidity. Why? Turns out that corn, soybeans and other crops sweat. A lot.