Climate Cast ®

MPR meteorologist Paul Huttner discusses the latest research on our changing climate and the consequences we’re seeing here in Minnesota and worldwide. Hear Climate Cast each Thursday on MPR’s All Things Considered.

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July 22, 2021 12:07 PM

Climate change is making Minnesota wetter, so what's up with this drought?

The weather numbers clearly show Minnesota is getting warmer and wetter overall, so why is drought the weather story of 2021 in the Upper Midwest?

by Paul Huttner

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July 15, 2021 8:30 PM

Extreme weather swings wreak havoc on Chicago

Chicago has been battling extreme weather swings that have left the city dealing with flooding, wild lake and river level changes and beach erosion.

by Paul Huttner

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July 8, 2021 4:39 PM

This 100-year-old ‘small-government conservative’ wants lawmakers to go big on climate

Tom Swain has had a long career, including chief of staff to a Minnesota governor and mayor of a small Minnesota town. Now 100, he still has energy to burn — and he’s putting it into climate change.

by Paul Huttner

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July 1, 2021 4:00 PM

Sailing the uncharted waters of climate change — literally

As the arctic melts, ships are more likely to get lost or stuck in areas that haven’t yet been mapped.

by Paul Huttner

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June 24, 2021 4:24 PM

Are 'false springs' getting more extreme?

A drastic “false spring” in France this year caused an estimated $2 billion in damage to vineyards. Can the region — and ours — expect more of these late winter temperature swings?

by Paul Huttner

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June 17, 2021 5:36 PM

Airlines work to scale up sustainable jet fuel

Waste from crops, logging — even cities — can be turned into a more sustainable jet fuel. Airlines are lobbying for tax incentives that would put more of it into their fuel mix.

by Paul Huttner

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June 10, 2021 2:43 PM

How Midwest dairy farmers are cashing in on California's clean fuel standards

Minnesota state lawmakers are trying to hammer out a deal on clean car rules. Meanwhile, Midwest dairy farmers are cashing in on California's clean car standards by supplying the state with perhaps the smelliest clean fuel out there.

by Paul Huttner

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June 4, 2021 2:29 PM

Court rules Shell needs to do more to cut carbon emissions

A ruling by a Dutch court in May says Shell should cut its gas emissions 45 percent by 2030. The outcome, which is expected to be appealed, has caught the attention of climate lawyers.

by Paul Huttner

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May 27, 2021 3:10 PM

Refurbished wind turbine powers homes — and learning in Chaska

It travelled some 1,800 miles from Palm Springs, California. Now the wind turbine near Pioneer Ridge Middle School in Chaska, Minnesota, is offering affordable electricity to nearby homes, as well as learning opportunities to the area’s schoolchildren.

by Paul Huttner