Climate

The biggest problem facing the U.S. electric grid isn't demand. It's climate change
The infrastructure package sets aside billions for the power grid. That may not be enough to reshape a system not designed for the extreme weather brought about by a warming planet.
Study: Warmer summers worsen tick infestations for U.S. moose
Scientists with Michigan Technological University say higher summer temperatures are quickening the development of tick eggs and boosting the number that hatch. Moose can lose much of their bristly fur rubbing against trees to get rid of ticks. Infestation also makes them anemic and less able to reproduce.
Recent wildfires have killed up to a fifth of all giant sequoia trees
Lightning-sparked wildfires killed thousands of giant sequoias this year, leading to a staggering two-year death toll that accounts for up to nearly a fifth of Earth's largest trees, officials said Friday.
Giving up gas-powered cars was a fringe idea. It's now on its way to reality
In just a few years, phasing out gas-powered cars has gone from fringe idea to mainstream policy proposal. It's still a long way from being reality, but the sense of urgency is accelerating.
How a COP26 delegate faces her ecological anxiety
Many Minnesotans feel anxiety and grief about the ravages of climate change. Dr. Laalitha Surapaneni, who just returned to Minnesota from the United Nations COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, told host Cathy Wurzer about the reasons she sees for concern — and hope.
Amazon birds are shrinking as the climate warms, prompting warning from scientists
A new study examined 77 bird species in the Amazon over a 40-year period. It found they were rapidly evolving due to rising temperatures because smaller birds shed heat more efficiently.
Minnesotans return from climate summit energized despite its shortcomings
More than 60 Minnesotans have returned home after spending up to two weeks in Scotland at the United Nations climate change summit known as COP26. The delegates say they're energized from the experience, but that a lot more work needs to be done to prevent the worst impacts of climate change.
Here's what world leaders agreed to — and what they didn't — at the UN climate summit
The agreement was built from compromises on many fronts, including a last-minute effort by India to weaken efforts to phase out coal. Still, it broke new ground in creating a worldwide consensus to transition away from fossil fuels and to speed up countries' ambitions to cut emissions faster.