Environmental News

MPR News is your source for environment news from Minnesota and across the country.

Getting to Green: Minnesota’s energy future

Getting to Green is an MPR News series that shares stories about Minnesota’s clean energy transition, including what needs to be done to get there.

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Pakistan's smog is visible from space. This activist is 'frustrated' but won't give up
The government in Lahore has closed schools and public spaces and shut down factories. Environmental lawyer Ahmad Rafay Alam shares his perspective: "frustrated" but still fighting.
Will Trump’s election slow the shift to clean energy? Two policy experts weigh in
Last week’s election could have major impacts on U.S. efforts to shift to cleaner energy and curb climate change. President-elect Donald Trump has called climate change a hoax, and pledged support for fossil fuels. He’s also promised to roll back many of the climate initiatives launched under the Biden-Harris administration.
Trump election could reopen path for mining near Boundary Waters
President-elect Donald Trump has promised to reverse the Biden administration’s actions blocking copper-nickel mining near the Boundary Waters. But there is a lot that would need to happen before any mine could open.
Fire crews on both U.S. coasts battle wildfires
Fire crews are battling small wildfires across the Northeast U.S. A blaze in New York and New Jersey killed a parks employee over the weekend and postponed Veterans Day plans. A quarter-inch of rain fell overnight from Sunday into Monday, giving a slight respite to firefighters. 
You might beat back phragmites, the scourge of wetlands, but then what?
Wetlands managers have spent years using fire and chemicals to fight phragmites, an invasive reed that chokes everything else out. But coaxing beneficial native plants to move back in is difficult.
25 of 43 monkeys have been recovered after escaping a lab in South Carolina last week
A research facility in Yemassee, S.C., has recovered 25 of the 43 monkeys that escaped from the laboratory last week after a caretaker accidentally left the door to their enclosure unsecured.
'I got my life back.' Veterans with PTSD making progress thanks to service dog program
After working at a crowded and dangerous internment camp in Iraq, Air Force Staff Sgt. Heather O’Brien brought home with her anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. 
Minnesota DNR projects good overall outlook for firearm deer hunting season 
A mild winter and rain in the spring and early summer could make for plenty of deer for the opener. However, DNR specialists recommend hunters make sure they are up to date on the regulations where they intend to be in the field.