Climate Cast ®

MPR News meteorologist Ben Cathey discusses the latest research on our changing climate and the consequences we’re seeing here in Minnesota and worldwide.

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January 27, 2022 4:35 PM

What a '70s farmers uprising can teach U.S. as it prepares to spend billions on clean energy

A tense, years-long standoff between farmers and crews trying to build a power transmission line through west-central Minnesota offers lessons for energy companies today, as the United States prepares to spend billions on clean energy infrastructure.

by Paul Huttner

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January 20, 2022 3:52 PM

Extreme weather cost $280 billion globally in 2021

Large insurers are calling for urgent action on climate change after another year of costly catastrophic losses because of extreme weather.

by Paul Huttner

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January 13, 2022 6:00 PM

How a weather forecast can cut emissions and save companies money

Aviation and shipping companies are among the fastest growing emitters in the transportation sector. Even small tweaks to their routes can cut emissions and save money.

by Paul Huttner

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January 6, 2022 4:00 PM

The Biden administration is all in on EVs, but what about public transit?

Last year’s infrastructure bill includes a significant investment in electric vehicle charging stations — along with new roads and highway expansions. Public transit gets a much smaller piece of the pie.

by Paul Huttner

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December 30, 2021 2:17 PM

Minnesota forests, peatlands on list of 'irrecoverable carbon'

A Conservation International study has mapped forests and other natural areas that store so much carbon, it could be impossible to offset their emissions if lost to development or natural disasters.

by Paul Huttner

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December 23, 2021 4:00 PM

University of Minnesota meets its emissions reduction goal a year early

A new report says the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus has surpassed its goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2021. It reached 51 percent a year early, in 2020.

by Paul Huttner

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December 16, 2021 4:30 PM

Is climate change behind this month's winter tornadoes?

Minnesota saw it’s first December tornado Wednesday, after a swarm of deadly tornadoes swept through the Midwest days earlier.

by Paul Huttner

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December 9, 2021 5:20 PM

Report: NHL is promoting hockey rink refrigerant with 'super-greenhouse gas'

A report from the nonprofit Environmental Investigation Agency says the National Hockey League and chemical company Chemours are teaming up to expand the use of Opteon, a refrigerant that is “1,700 to 3,100 times more potent than carbon dioxide.”

by Paul Huttner