Climate

February 1, 2024 6:20 PM

Xcel Energy proposes to keep operating nuclear plants until early 2050s

The utility’s latest resource plan also calls for adding solar and wind energy, battery storage and building two new natural gas plants for times of peak electricity demand.

by Kirsti Marohn

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February 1, 2024 5:11 PM

Report pushes for more EPA regulations of carbon capture projects

As more places, including ours, pursue carbon capture projects, what rules and monitoring mechanisms need to be in place to make sure things work as intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

by Paul Huttner and Ngoc Bui

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February 1, 2024 5:29 AM

How mapping 'heat islands' can help cities prepare for extreme heat

Oklahoma City and several other cities last year worked with NOAA to map neighborhoods to find out how heat impacts neighborhoods. The data can help cities prepare and adapt to a warmer world.

by Britny Cordera

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January 31, 2024 5:15 PM

Biden's new climate envoy is John Podesta. He has a big domestic climate job too

Longtime Democratic aide John Podesta will take over international climate talks from former Secretary of State John Kerry. He also oversees Biden's big domestic climate incentives.

by Tamara Keith

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January 30, 2024 4:00 AM

Minnesota schools testing electric buses find benefits and barriers

A handful of Minnesota school districts are experimenting with electric buses. Early adopters find a lot to like about the clean running, quiet vehicles — but there are key barriers to wider adoption of the technology.

by Dan Gunderson

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January 25, 2024 3:11 PM

Data confirm trend of warming global temperatures in last ten years

Last year was by far the warmest year on record globally. NOAA, NASA, and European datasets all confirm the numbers. That means the 10 warmest years on record globally are the past 10 years. How do climate scientists explain this unprecedented warming trend?

by Paul Huttner and Ngoc Bui

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January 18, 2024 5:53 PM

Take a tour of a fully electric and energy efficient home

MPR News correspondents Dan Kraker and Kirsti Marohn tour the home of William and Kristin Mroz-Risse which has been made electric and more energy efficient.

by Paul Huttner and Ngoc Bui

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January 18, 2024 4:00 AM

When it comes to climate warming, cow burps are no joke

Animal agriculture is the largest source of the climate-warming gas methane in Minnesota. Researchers are looking for ways to reduce methane at the source — a cow’s stomach. The science is promising, but a quick solution is unlikely.

by Dan Gunderson

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January 17, 2024 4:34 PM

Minnesota ice season will be one for the record books

A January cold snap has created new ice on Minnesota lakes after record December warmth created open water on lakes across the state. The shortened ice season fits a long-term trend toward fewer days of frozen lakes across the state.

by Dan Gunderson