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.

Submit a question or story for Getting to Green here.

Climate Cast

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

Researchers perplexed by growing numbers of 'zombie' fish deep in Lake Superior
Scientists have discovered a growing number of emaciated lake trout deep in Lake Superior, about half their normal body weight. They’re racing to learn what’s behind the phenomenon.
Ceremony provides prayer, healing for Twin Cities waterway on Earth Day
For some, celebrating Earth Day means cleaning up litter, spending time outside or getting ready to plant a garden. For others, it’s an opportunity to honor the water. Several dozen people took part in a water walk on Wednesday to honor Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ, or Bassett Creek.
State climatologist calls for more weather nerds to join rain, hail and snow network
More than 20,000 people nationwide volunteer as part of the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, or CoCoRaHS. And the Minnesota Climatology Office is hoping more people can join in the effort.
Can eco-friendly Minnesota manufacturers gain an edge amid high gas prices?
Natur-Tec, based in Circle Pines, makes sustainable bio-based materials and products, such as compostable trash bags. Vineet Dalal, its vice president and director of global market development, joined Morning Edition to explain the economics his company is experiencing.
The Senate overturned a mining ban near the Boundary Waters. What happens next?
Last week, the U.S. Senate overturned a 20-year federal mining ban on land near the Boundary Waters. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks about what the change means and what happens next.
An Earth Day check-in on Minnesota's climate goals
The state is trying to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030, compared to 2005 levels, and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. It is not on track to meet those goals, if current trends continue.
U of M Morris, known for sustainability, takes on renewable heat
The University of Minnesota Morris reached carbon neutrality when it comes to the electricity that powers its campus, thanks to two wind turbines named Bert and Ernie. Now, it's taking steps to decarbonize the source of heat in its buildings.
Nitrate is quietly polluting rural drinking wells. How researchers are working to help
Across the central U.S., nitrate from crop fertilizer and livestock facilities is seeping into water underground. Many family wells are no longer safe to drink from without pricey treatment.
 Nobles County Board votes against zoning change, preventing massive data centers
The Nobles County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to reject a zoning change that would allow data centers to be built on farmland. The county's planning commission also rejected the measure earlier this month as hundreds of local residents voiced opposition.