Climate

When the sea went strange: A Minnesota connection to the National Book Awards
Ethan Rutherford, a Minnesota-connected author, earned a National Book Award longlist spot for his surreal, environmentally charged debut novel “North Sun,” a lyrical whaling tale that blends history with myth.
Scientists look for cause of spike in swimmer’s itch plaguing Minnesota lakes
The itchy red rash is caused by tiny parasites in the water that can burrow into human skin. Researchers are looking at whether certain waterfowl, invasive species or warming lakes could be factors.
As nature’s ‘ecosystem engineers,’ beavers could help fight effects of climate change
Beaver dams reduce flooding, create wetlands that boost biodiversity and can even slow wildfires. But bringing back beavers would require a shift in public attitude — and finding ways for humans and beavers to coexist.
State expands hyperlocal weather data collection to northwestern Minnesota farmers
To explain what the Ag Weather Network does for farmers and the rest of Minnesota, state Agriculture Department hydrologist and program manager Stefan Bischof joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition.
As Canada wildfires choke U.S. with smoke, Republicans demand action. But not on climate change
The sternly worded statements and letters are filled with indignation and outrage: Republican U.S. lawmakers say Canada has done too little to contain wildfires and smoke that have fouled the air in several states this summer.
Data centers face new regulations, some worry they fall short of protecting water, residents
The largest “hyperscale” data centers can consume millions of gallons of water a year, and use as much electricity as an entire large city. Some environmental and citizen groups who pushed for tougher rules don’t think the bill goes far enough to protect the state’s water supply and consumers.
Minnesota's clean energy industry fretting about possible rollback of tax credits
The clean energy tax credits have been used to defray the cost to build new solar and wind projects, help consumers install rooftop solar or weatherize their homes and encourage companies to invest in clean energy manufacturing. President Trump has called those policies a “green new scam.”
Poor air quality: What causes it and how to protect your health
Last week, smoke from Canadian wildfires led to the worst Minnesota air quality index since records began in 2000. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with her guests about what we can do to stay healthy when skies are smoky.