Climate

Trump emissions plan could dirty Minnesota's air, but energy transition continues
The Trump administration's plan to allow states to regulate their own carbon emissions isn't expected to have much of an effect on Minnesota's energy generation, because a transition away from coal was already in progress.
Trump moves to let states regulate coal plant emissions
The Trump administration is proposing to substantially weaken President Obama's signature rule on climate change. It would give states more power to regulate carbon emissions from coal plants.
Activists have a new strategy to block gas pipelines: state's rights
Oil and gas pipeline opponents have a new legal strategy. They're encouraging states to exercise rights granted in the Clean Water Act to stop new pipeline construction.
$10M question: Are counties' efforts to fight aquatic invasives working?
In 2014, the Legislature took the unusual step of setting aside $10 million each year to distribute to the counties fighting invasive species. Counties are using that money to expand boat inspection programs, but also trying some innovative approaches.
Meteorologists: Increase in air quality alerts linked to climate change
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued yet another air quality alert on Monday, warning Minnesotans about the ongoing dangers of particulates in the air from wildfires burning in Canada.
Scientists investigating 'unprecedented' algae bloom in Lake Superior
Researchers are investigating a major algal bloom that surfaced last week in Lake Superior between Duluth and the Apostle Islands. The blooms only started appearing in Lake Superior in 2012. Scientists are investigating why.
Climate Cast Special: Capitalism, communication and carbon-free energy
During this hour-long Climate Cast special, MPR Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner will talk to experts about "climate capitalism," the best words to use when talking climate and where Minnesota is at when it comes to emissions goals.
Climate change threatens Midwest's wild rice, a staple for Native Americans
When harvests are bad, Native Americans in the region may go without rice for the year. And there have been a lot of bad years lately, as climate change causes more frequent and severe rainstorms.
2017 was one of the hottest years on record
Greenhouse gas concentrations reached a record high. Global sea level was the highest on record, too. NOAA's State of the Climate report points to the urgency of addressing climate change.
Wetter weather causing sewage headaches for Minn. cities
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, since 2010, wet weather has had an effect on wastewater treatment operations an average of 143 times a year, resulting in raw or partially treated sewage overflowing or being discharged into the environment.