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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Maybe it's time to think about doing things differently, farmers. You can't tell by Minnesota weather, but there's still a drought underway in the country, and that's bad news for many of the nation's farmers.
The Earth's wettest regions are likely to get wetter while the most arid will get drier due to warming of the atmosphere caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide, according to a new NASA analysis of more than a dozen climate models.
Mapped: More than 20 proposed frac sand facilities
MPR News has created a map to illustrate the current level of frac sand mining in Minnesota, based on data from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and several counties in the affected areas. It's the most comprehensive map to date showing frac sand mining activity in Minnesota.
Several silica sand mines close to the Mississippi River in western Wisconsin are near areas where cyclists like to ride and stay in bed-and-breakfasts. Some of the proposed mines in southeastern Minnesota are also located in scenic areas where cycling is popular.
Red River close to cresting in Fargo-Moorhead area
The Red River appeared close to reaching its peak in Fargo and Moorhead, Minn., Tuesday after the National Weather Service dropped its crest forecast for the third straight day.
Fargo mayor checks in from the flood zone
As residents in the Fargo/Moorhead area prepare for the Red River to reach its crest this week, a local mayor is looking for a permanent fix to an annual problem.
Lily Tomlin speaks up for elephants in documentary
Lily Tomlin's admiration for elephants began when she met Ruby and Billy. The zoo dwellers also sparked her desire to help improve the lives of elephants in captivity and the chances for survival of those in the wild. "An Apology to Elephants,'' a documentary produced and narrated by Tomlin, is one result. It debuted this week on HBO.