Climate

New online tool allows for close-up look into Minnesota’s changing climate future
University of Minnesota researchers are launching a new online tool today that allows people to visualize how a future climate will look and feel, down to a 2.5 mile scale. The goal is to help engineers, farmers and others better plan for a climate-changed future.
A U of M scientist is using leaf glow to better track climate change
Professor Rui Cheng is behind the research. She says leaf glow offers a more direct and accurate way to understand the effects of climate change on ecosystems in the Arctic and boreal regions, which are experiencing some of the fastest rates of temperature warming in the world.
Why wonky building codes could be key in reducing state’s climate impact
Building codes set minimum safety requirements for how new homes should be designed and constructed. But they can also be an important behind-the-scenes tool to fight climate change.
How will a warm winter affect spring fishing? What to know before the opener
The Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener is next Saturday. Did our unseasonably warm winter negatively affect fish, lakes and rivers? The answer is complicated.
Report shows Minnesota is leading the way in clean energy transition
Amelia Cerling Hennes, managing director of public affairs for Clean Energy Economy MN, shared more about the state’s clean energy transition and what we’re doing well.
‘I’m sorry we broke the sea and sky’: CNN chief climate correspondent on finding hope in climate change
Bill Weir’s new book is called “Life as We Know It (Can Be).” He wrote it as a letter to his 4-year-old son River on how to find hope in a world of climate change.
How will Canada wildfires affect Minnesota air quality in 2024?
Drought, strong winds, warmer temperatures and a dry winter have created perfect conditions for a dangerous wildfire season — both here in Minnesota and across the border in Canada. Last summer, heavy smoke drifted south into Minnesota, causing a record number of air quality alerts.
Report: Twin Cities air quality improving, but climate change complicates cleanup
The American Lung Association released its 25th annual State of the Air report Wednesday and it shows air quality in the Twin Cities metro area improved slightly between 2020 and 2022.
This Earth Day, a scientist shares tips for building climate action into everyday life
University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership Director Heidi Roop published a book called “The Climate Action Handbook” to help people figure out where to start.