Climate

As heat waves intensify, more public housing residents may get help with AC bills
For decades, public housing providers could subsidize heating bills but not air-conditioning. New Biden administration guidance changes that, but critics say it doesn’t go far enough.
20-year-old loops Lake Superior solo in 42 days, buoyed by climate change awareness
A triple science major at the College of St. Scholastica may be both the fastest and youngest to circumnavigate Lake Superior in a kayak — and he’s hoping the 1,000-mile trip will draw more attention to climate change’s effects in Minnesota.
Coping with more rain and storms in a warming climate
With climate warming, when it rains it really pours. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the Minnesota commerce commissioner and the state climate director about why we’re seeing an increase in intense rain and violent storms and how we can prepare for and prevent damage from floods, wind and hail.
Biden administration proposes rule for workplaces to address excessive heat
The Biden administration is proposing a rule aimed at addressing excessive heat in the workplace, as tens of millions of people in the U.S. are under heat advisories due to blistering temperatures.
Owners of flood-imperiled Rapidan Dam Store vow to reopen; community rallies to support family
Friends and neighbors are rallying to support the longtime owners of the Rapidan Dam Store near Mankato, after flooding claimed a family home adjacent to the business. The owners of the store vow to reopen.
Heavy rains and climate change challenge Minnesota agriculture, farmers of color
“It has been a tough season,” said Marcus Carpenter, founder of an organization that supports greater racial and ethnic diversity in farming. “When you have farmers of color who have very little acreage to deal with in the beginning, having an entire washout can be detrimental for them, both economically … and from a community perspective.”