Climate Cast

Warmer winters can mean more salt on Minnesota roads Oct 31, 2024

While it’s unclear just how snowy this winter will be, NOAA data shows that Minnesota winters have warmed more than five degrees on average since 1970. Warmer winters may cause more freeze-thaw cycles and increased road salt use. State maintenance engineer Jed Falgren spoke to MPR News chief meteorologist Paul Huttner about what MnDOT is doing to maximize road safety in a changing climate.

Climate Cast: Weak La Niña may mean snowy winter is on deck Oct 28, 2024

Last winter was the warmest on record in Minnesota — a perfect non-storm of conditions that included a strong El Niño combined with warming climate trends. But this year will be different thanks to a weak La Niña developing in the Pacific, said Kenny Blumenfeld, who tracks Minnesota's climate trends with the Minnesota State Climatologist office in St. Paul.

“People are going to love or hate this,” Blumenfeld said. “Our all-time record and seasonal snowfall was during a La Niña winter. And number three, which we just experienced in the 2022-’23 winter, that was 90.3 inches. That was a La Niña, too. You do tend to get a bit more snow, even in a weak La Niña compared to an El Niño type winter.”

The warming of the atmosphere plays a role in extra-snowy winters, Blumenfeld told MPR News chief meteorologist Paul Huttner. ”The warming of the planet obviously puts more water into the atmosphere, and that's one of the reasons that we're seeing the increased snowfall during the winter time.”

Click on the audio player above to hear the whole conversation.

Grants help Minnesota farmers deal with extreme weather Oct 19, 2024

Minnesota is experiencing its fourth straight year of flash drought — and farmers are feeling the effects in their fields.

“Farmers and ranchers face unique challenges in a changing climate and experience climate related stress,” said Noah Fish, an agricultural reporter for Agweek.

“It’s not only their operations that are undergoing this change, but it’s emotional stress; these are farmers that are the ones out there working every day in these conditions.”

But grants offer relief, Fish said. The state of Minnesota is using federal grants to help farmers adapt to expanding droughts and a changing climates. Fish joined MPR News meteorologist Paul Huttner to talk about the kind of funding that is available to farmers and how it is helping.

To hear the full conversation, click play on the audio player above or subscribe to the Climate Cast podcast.

Climate scientist and mom addresses work-life balance in new book Oct 09, 2024

Finding balance in life can be a challenge for everyone.

It can be especially hard to balance a life in climate work, politics and raising a family. That’s been Anna Farro Henderson’s experience, one she details in her new book “Core Samples: A Climate Scientist’s Experiments in Politics and Motherhood.”

Farro Henderson joins MPR News Meteorologist Paul Huttner to talk about the climate crisis and encouraging young women to enter the STEM field.

To hear the full conversation, click play on the audio player above or subscribe to the Climate Cast podcast.

‘Fingerprints of a warming world’ evident in Minnesota climate trends Sep 26, 2024

Minnesota’s climate continues to shift. The trend toward warmer winters and more erratic precipitation patterns continues.

“What we see globally and what we see right in our own backyards are the fingerprints of a warming world,” Heidi Roop, the Director of Minnesota’s Climate Adaptation Partnership, said.

She added that we should expect these extremes to continue.

“If we look out towards the end of the century, some of our future climate models show that our spring-time precipitation could be as much as 40 percent wetter and our summers around 20 percent dryer.”

She spoke more about Minnesota’s climate trends with MPR News Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner.

Climate advocates support Walz, but Harris-Walz climate platform still unclear Sep 20, 2024

Climate advocates are showing strong support for Gov. Tim Walz’s vice presidential campaign. They point to his record.

“Walz was responsible, or at least, signed into law several climate action bills that are progressive no matter which state you live in,” said Kristoffer Tigue, who wrote about Walz’s climate record for Inside Climate News. “That includes a law from 2023 which requires Minnesota utilities to produce 100 percent of their electricity from carbon free sources by 2040. He also signed several other bills that do a lot to advance the effort to slow down climate change.”

Tigue joined MPR News chief meteorologist Paul Huttner to talk about Walz’s record in Minnesota and what that might mean for the Harris-Walz ticket.

“A lot of advocates and political analysts believe that the Harris-Walz ticket will probably walk a line that’s similar to what Biden has been doing in his last couple of years as president, which is taking kind of a moderate approach, trying to appeal to a broader audience, rather than appeasing a smaller, more progressive climate constituency,” Tigue said.

But there’s not a lot to go on.

“Both Walz and Harris have largely refrained from talking about climate change since announcing their campaign together, but in the debate with former President Trump earlier this month, Harris did address climate change, and the two have since released a platform, though the details on policy are still pretty slim,” she said.

To hear the full conversation, click play on the audio player above or subscribe to the Climate Cast podcast.

Methane is rising as a potent greenhouse gas Sep 12, 2024

A new report from the Global Carbon Project finds several sources of methane gas are on the rise.

Sahrah Kaplan, climate and science reporter for the Washington Post says the powerful greenhouse gas is “the fastest way to heat the planet and we’re doing that at an ever accelerating rate.”

Kaplan wrote about the Global Carbon Project report and joined Climate Cast to explain how agriculture as well as human influence are contributing to the rise in this potent greenhouse gas.

To hear the full conversation, click play on the audio player above or subscribe to the Climate Cast podcast.

Author of ‘The Parrot and the Igloo’ examines the history of climate change deniers Sep 05, 2024

David Lipsky, author of “The Parrot and the Igloo: Climate and the Science of Denial,” talks about the history of climate change and those who deny the science behind human-caused climate change.

To hear the full conversation, click play on the audio player above or subscribe to the Climate Cast podcast.

Climate change a factor in spread of bird flu that's keeping birthing cows out of State Fair Aug 22, 2024

The State Fair gates are open – but there’s a noticeable absence in the Miracle of Birth Center: birthing cows and newborn calves.

It’s all due to the spread of avian flu, also known as bird flu or H5N1. So how serious is the spread of avian flu, and what does climate change have to do with the spread of viruses between species?

Izzy Ross is a climate solutions reporter for Interlochen Public Radio and wrote about the threat of bird flu spreading to dairy cows for Grist. Ross stopped by Climate Cast to talk about the link between bird flu and climate change.

Woman takes French oil company to court for mother’s death Aug 15, 2024

Recent abundant levels of rainfall across the state have pulled Minnesota out of drought for the first time since June 2022.

Will this rainfall pattern continue? And how are Minnesota’s precipitation swings a symptom of climate change?

Kenneth Blumenfeld with the Minnesota State Climatology Office talks about recent rainfall across the state and explains how both dry and wet patterns — sometimes lasting several months — are connected to climate change.

The planet’s temperature inches closer to a ‘tipping point’ Aug 08, 2024

Scientists are concerned that Earth’s temperature rise is accelerating, and certain factors known as “tipping points” could speed up the process.

What will that mean for the planet and what can be done to keep the planet warming at a fast pace? Andrew Freedman wrote about the new study for Axios and explains the research behind the warming climate report.

To hear the full conversation, click play on the audio player above or subscribe to the Climate Cast podcast.

Researchers plant ‘climate-smart’ trees from the south to save forests up north Aug 01, 2024

Climate change is putting stress on the traditional spruce and pines in Minnesota’s northern forests — and there’s real concern about their future.

So, researchers are planting trees from the southern parts of our state in hopes of saving our northern forests.

It’s called assisted migration and University of Minnesota professor Julie Etterson is studying if it can be an effective strategy for reforesting and fighting climate change.

MPCA meteorologist keeps eye on wildfire smoke heading to Minnesota Jul 25, 2024

An increasing number of wildfires in Canada and the western U.S. is pumping smoke toward Minnesota.

But how much smoke will reach Minnesota? And how do meteorologists forecast wildfire smoke events and trends across the state?

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s supervisory meteorologist Matt Taraldsen talks about the wildfire smoke that sullies Minnesota’s blue skies and triggers air quality alerts.

To hear the full conversation, click play on the audio player above or subscribe to the Climate Cast podcast.

Midwest transportation systems feel the brunt of climate change Jul 19, 2024

Flash floods and extreme temperatures — both heat and cold — are having a negative impact on infrastructure across the Midwest.

These extreme weather swings take a toll on roads, bridges and railroads, leading to headaches for travel and daily commutes.

Kiley Price wrote about the threat for Inside Climate News and joined MPR News meteorologist Paul Huttner to explain what’s being done to address the aging infrastructure in the Midwest.

Dams across the Midwest are aging, putting them at risk from the effects of climate change Jul 12, 2024

Climate change-enhanced rainfall events threaten nearly 92,000 dams across the U.S. and many are over 100 years old — including dams in Minnesota.

Climate reporter Kristoffer Tigue wrote about aging dams and the risk for extreme rainfall for Inside Climate News.

Tigue joined MPR News meteorologist Paul Huttner to explain how extreme weather events pose a threat to dams in Minnesota and the Midwest.

To hear the full conversation, click play on the audio player above or subscribe to the Climate Cast podcast.

Lakes could help harness large amounts of clean energy from the sun using floating solar panels Jun 27, 2024

Lakes are a part of Minnesota’s Identity.

While the thousands of lakes are cherished for their recreational accessibility across the state, some of those pristine bodies of water could — one day — help generate a vast amount of clean energy through solar power.

Matt Simon wrote about floating solar panels for Grist. Simon talked to MPR News meteorologist Paul Huttner about floatovoltaics.

To hear the full conversation, click play on the audio player above or subscribe to the Climate Cast podcast.

How do you define clean energy? Minnesota climate group working on answer Jun 20, 2024

Last year, the Minnesota Legislature passed a law requiring the state’s electrical utilities to transition to 100 percent carbon-free energy sources by 2040.

That means replacing power sources that produce carbon dioxide such as coal and natural gas with renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydropower and biomass.

But how do you define “carbon-free” and what guidelines will be used to make sure utilities are meeting that standard? “We’re really hoping that carbon-free actually means carbon-free,” said B. Rosas, a policy manager with the advocacy group Climate Generation.

Rosas talked to Paul Huttner about the organization’s efforts.

To hear the full conversation, click play on the audio player above or subscribe to the Climate Cast podcast.

Drought-free, but for how long? How climate change affects dry and wet trends in Minnesota Jun 13, 2024

Recent abundant levels of rainfall across the state have pulled Minnesota out of drought for the first time since June 2022.

Will this rainfall pattern continue? And how are Minnesota’s precipitation swings a symptom of climate change?

Kenneth Blumenfeld with the Minnesota State Climatology Office talks about recent rainfall across the state and explains how both dry and wet patterns — sometimes lasting several months — are connected to climate change.

What to know about Minnesota's new e-bike rebate program Jun 06, 2024

Looking to buy a new e-bike?

Well, the Minnesota Department of Revenue has a new rebate program to help with the costs.

Assistant Commissioner Sarah Bronson from the Department of Revenue talks through details of the program and how to apply.

Lawmakers pass much needed permitting reforms for clean energy projects as session wraps May 23, 2024

The 2024 Minnesota Legislature session is a wrap. So, what got done this year with climate progress in Minnesota?

Walker Orenstein is a reporter for the Star Tribune. He says the changes to the permitting process for clean energy projects passed by lawmakers is a major step forward.

The impact of building codes on climate change May 16, 2024

Heating and cooling our homes and buildings in Minnesota contribute about 40 percent of our state’s greenhouse gas emissions. What opportunity exists to reduce our carbon footprint by updating our building codes?

MPR News correspondent Dan Kraker wrote about that recently and shared his key takeaways.

A U of M scientist is using leaf glow to better track climate change May 09, 2024

A scientist at the University of Minnesota may have found a better way to track the effects of climate change on Arctic and boreal regions like northern Minnesota where temperatures are rising at some of the fastest rates in the world.

Rui Cheng, a professor in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering at the University of Minnesota, is behind the research on using leaf glow to monitor vegetation dynamics.

While not visible under natural light, leaf glow can be detected using remote sensing and can provide important information about the health of Arctic-boreal ecosystems.

Cheng shared more about the research on this week’s Climate Cast.

Report shows Minnesota is leading the way in clean energy transition May 02, 2024

Renewable energy sources provided 33 percent of Minnesota’s electricity last year, which is 10 percent higher than the national average according to a new report.

So, what’s next for Minnesota’s clean energy transition?

Amelia Cerling Hennes, managing director of public affairs for Clean Energy Economy MN, shared more about the state’s clean energy progress.

CNN chief climate correspondent on finding hope in a world of climate change Apr 26, 2024

“I’m sorry we broke the sea and sky and shortened the wings of the nightingale. I’m sorry that the Great Barrier Reef is no longer great, that we value Amazon much more than the Amazon.”

Those are the words of CNN’s chief climate correspondent Bill Weir from his new book called “Life as We Know It (Can Be).” He wrote it as a letter to his 4-year-old son River to read in the future.

It’s a future where he hopes we’ve fixed our broken climate.

Bill Weir, who began his career in Austin, shared more about the book on this week’s Climate Cast.

As hurricanes get more powerful, some scientists suggest a new category six Apr 18, 2024

Hurricanes are getting so strong that some scientists say we should add a Category 6 to the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale.

That’s out of a recent study in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences looking at the link between stronger hurricanes and climate change.

Senior Climate Reporter Andrew Freedman wrote about it for Axios.

Climate denialism mapped to geography and political affiliation Apr 11, 2024

A recent study shows nearly 15 percent of Americans “do not believe in climate change.”

So, what drives climate denialism in the U.S.?

Joshua Newell is a professor and co-director of the Center for Sustainable Systems. He was one of the authors of this research and broke down his findings.

Red and blue pitches for electric vehicles? Apr 04, 2024

Electric vehicle dealers right here in Minnesota are using different strategies to convince prospective buyers from different political affiliations.

New study shows climate change is already affecting food prices Mar 28, 2024

A new paper shows increasing global average temperatures and more intense and frequent heat waves are already driving up the prices of food and other goods.

To talk more about climate change and inflation is the lead author of that research, Maximilian Kotz with the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany.

Record-breaking ocean temperatures Mar 21, 2024

Earth’s oceans have been reaching record-warm temperatures. Every day for the last 12 months.

What is happening? How much is climate change driving the temperature spike? And how concerned are climate scientists?

University of St. Thomas Professor John Abraham, one of the world’s leading ocean temperature researchers, talks about it.

The green energy gridlock at the Capitol Mar 15, 2024

More than 25 percent of Minnesota’s electricity now comes from renewable sources like wind and solar.

Despite the progress and growth of green energy, there’s still a backlog of projects waiting approval is slowing the growth of clean energy in Minnesota. A new proposed bill being considered by the state would streamline the permitting process.

Reporter Kristoffer Tigue wrote about this topic for Inside Climate News.

To hear the full conversation, click play on the audio player above or subscribe to the Climate Cast podcast.

Forecasting a record-breaking winter Mar 07, 2024

Minnesota’s warmest winter on record was literally off the charts in several metrics.

Just how unique was this winter? And how is our shifting climate impacting our daily weather forecasts?

Pete Boulay is with the Minnesota State Climatologist Office. He keeps track of weather and climate records around Minnesota.

What an unseasonably warm winter will mean for farmers this year Feb 29, 2024

The warmest winter on record has also brought some of the lowest snow cover on record to much of Minnesota.

What does the lack of snow mean for Minnesota’s soils and farmers this year?

Jeff Strock is a professor with the University of Minnesota Southwest Research and Outreach Center.

Climate scientist Michael Mann wins defamation lawsuit against conservative bloggers Feb 22, 2024

Well-known climate scientist Michael Mann recently won a million-dollar lawsuit against conservative bloggers.

Mann alleged that he was defamed by the bloggers who said the climatologist “molested and tortured data.”

So what precedent could this case set?

Leigh Currie, the Director of Strategic Litigation with the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, breaks down what his win could mean for climate science.

Super current El Niño and climate change hit the Galapagos Islands Feb 16, 2024

Locals in the Galapagos say climate change and the current Super El Niño could be affecting the marine life and climate there.

The Galapagos Islands sit on the Equator in the eastern Pacific Ocean, just west of Ecuador at the confluence of three major ocean currents.

MPR meteorologist Sven Sundgaard just returned from the islands on a trip where he got a first-hand look at what’s happening.

New ‘green bank’ for climate projects set to launch this year Feb 08, 2024

Minnesota’s first-ever “green bank” launches this year. The Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority will distribute funding for green energy and other climate-friendly projects. The first projects from the $45 million pool could be funded early this summer.

For more on the green bank is Pete Klein, interim executive director for the Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority.

Report pushes for more EPA regulations of carbon capture projects Feb 01, 2024

A proposed carbon capture pipeline across the Midwest by Summit Carbon Solutions is awaiting approval from Iowa and other states. Minnesota approved the permit for it last year.

The five-state, $5.5 billion pipeline system would capture carbon dioxide from ethanol plants and send it to North Dakota for underground storage.

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?

Eric Schaeffer is Executive Director with the Environmental Integrity Project, which just released a report on the current federal rules for carbon capture projects — and what might be missing.

Data confirm trend of warming global temperatures in last ten years Jan 25, 2024

Last year was by far the warmest year on record globally. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (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?

Jared Rennie is a research scientist with NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information and he discussed what we should take away from the numbers.

Take a tour of a fully electric and energy efficient home Jan 18, 2024

Minnesota officials have set an ambitious goal for the state to be carbon-neutral by 2050.

And our Getting to Green series has been digging deep into stories of the clean energy transition. What opportunities and obstacles lie on the path to reach a carbon neutral Minnesota milestone?

MPR News correspondents Dan Kraker and Kirsti Marohn guest hosted a series of conversations to talk to experts and listeners about our state's energy future.

As a part of that reporting, they toured the home of William and Kristin Mroz-Risse which is now fully electric and more energy efficient. Kristin works for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency as the GreenStep Cities and tribal nations coordinator. William works in the renewable energy sector.

Northfield's new housing development tackles homelessness, poverty and climate change Jan 12, 2024

A housing project that tackles homelessness, poverty, and climate change all in one.

That’s the goal of Hillcrest Village in Northfield, Minnesota. It’s an emergency shelter and supportive housing development – powered entirely by the sun.

Scott Wopata is Executive Director at Community Action Center, which was behind the project.

Minneapolis looks to fund climate action through minor hike in gas and energy bills Dec 21, 2023

Anyone getting gas and electricity service in Minneapolis will see an estimated one dollar increase in their bills come next year.

The money from the slight hike is meant to go towards helping people weatherize their homes and programs to reduce carbon emissions.

It’s a part of the city’s Climate Legacy Initiative and officials say it will raise an additional $10 million each year starting in 2024 for climate action.

Dave Orrick wrote about the plan for the Star Tribune and broke it down on Climate Cast.

St. John's student reflects on experience at COP28 Dec 07, 2023

The United Nations 28th global climate conference, also known as COP28, just wrapped up in Dubai.

And this year a group of 20 students from the College of St. Benedict and Saint John’s University got to observe the heated discussions about climate change and fossil fuels.

Finn Dolezal was a part of that group. He’s a sophomore majoring in economics and minoring in math at Saint John's. He shared more about his time at COP28.

U of M scientist advocates for developing countries at global climate summit Dec 07, 2023

A major focus of this year’s global climate summit, COP28 or the Conference of the Parties, is the Loss and Damage Fund which was established at last year’s conference.

The idea behind it is for developed nations to financially compensate developing countries dealing with the harmful — and very costly — impacts of climate change.

On the first day of this year’s conference, global leaders agreed to operationalize that fund with some countries pledging as much as $100 million right away. The U.S. plans to contribute $17.5 million if Congress gives the green light. Still, some say a lot more will be needed — hundreds of billions more.

Nfamara Dampha is a research scientist at the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment and he’s taking part in the discussion at COP28 as a delegate for the Gambia. Last year, the small country was hit with its largest rainfall in more than thirty years, causing more than $125 million in damage.

As these climate events continue, Dampha says developed countries not only have a legal responsibility to help vulnerable countries but also a “moral and ethical responsibility”.

U.S. report includes calls for Indigenous leadership and self-determination to fight climate change Nov 30, 2023

The fifth National Climate Assessment came out last week. It’s an important report that lays out the impacts of climate change across the U.S.

In it this year is a chapter on the specific ways climate change affects indigenous communities — and why indigenous leadership and self-determination are essential for addressing the climate crisis.

One of the authors of that chapter is Mike Dockry, an assistant professor with the University of Minnesota Department of Forest Resources. He specializes in Tribal and Indigenous Natural Resource Management. He gave us a closer look at the chapter on Climate Cast.

Minnesota initiative looks to boost production of sustainable aviation fuel Nov 16, 2023

10 percent of U.S. transportation greenhouse gas emissions come from plane travel according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

But a first-of-its kind initiative is looking to slash those numbers by creating a hub to scale the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Estimates show that SAF can reduce the lifecycle carbon emissions of flying by more than 80 percent.

Peter Frosch is CEO of the Greater Minneapolis St. Paul Regional Economic Development Partnership, one of the partners involved in the effort.

Groups call for greater federal oversight of insurance industry Nov 10, 2023

Insurance losses from climate-enhanced extreme weather disasters are changing the insurance landscape.

And this week, several groups have sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and the Financial Stability Oversight Council to call for greater federal oversight of the insurance industry in light of soaring disaster costs.

Anne Perrault, finance policy counsel with advocacy group Public Citizen, shared more about the asks.

Farming in the face of climate extremes Nov 02, 2023

President Biden made a visit to Minnesota farmers this week to highlight investments in our region’s rural economy.

But with climate change-driven weather whiplash the last few years, how are our local farmers really doing?

Dan Guenthner runs Common Harvest Farm near Osceola, WI. He spoke about the challenges of farming in the face of climate extremes.

Climate change is wreaking havoc on the global insurance market Oct 26, 2023

Climate change is wreaking havoc on the global insurance market. That’s the takeaway from a piece in Grist that points out natural disasters now cost the U.S. insurance industry $100 billion a year.

Lois Parshley wrote about the trends in the first of a 4-part series for Grist.

Climate change has some moving to the Midwest Oct 19, 2023

Go Midwest, young man?

That’s the title of a recent piece in Time Magazine that touts the Midwest as a place people will likely move to in the future. So which factors make the Midwest a potentially attractive place to relocate?

Alana Semuels, the author of that piece, shared more about her findings.

Follow Minnesota's green transition with MPR News Getting to Green series Oct 12, 2023

Minnesota leaders set an ambitious goal to be carbon-neutral by 2050. What will it take to carry out Minnesota’s green energy transition?

Here at MPR News we’re tracking Minnesota’s clean energy progress, in a series called Getting to Green.

We talk about it with MPR News reporters Dan Kraker and Kirsti Marohn.

As new farm bill gets drafted, some hope for changes to support sustainable farming Oct 05, 2023

Congress is due to pass a new farm bill this year. This major piece of legislation sets the rules for all things food and agriculture for the next five years.

While it’s still yet to be written, some say the bill needs to bring changes to conservation programs and crop insurance to help farmers become more resilient to climate change.

Michael Happ is with the Institute for Agriculture & Trade Policy and he’s been looking at the bill.

The growing climate concern of water vapor Sep 28, 2023

An increase in water vapor in the atmosphere is driving more extreme weather around the world.

How is that playing out here in Minnesota?

John Abraham, Thermal Sciences Professor and Mechanical Engineering Program Director at University of St. Thomas, shared more about the little known but growing climate concern.

United Nations calls for urgent action to protect children's rights Sep 21, 2023

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is expanding its electric school bus program using three million dollars from the state’s settlement with Volkswagen over exaggerated fuel efficiency claims.

This round of funding will cover the costs for eight more school buses and there will be future rounds in the near future. In addition, the Minnesota Department of Commerce and the Environmental Protection Agency will run separate pools of funding for electric school buses.

Brian Timerson, who oversees the program for Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, shared more about the opportunities available to switch to electric school buses.

Farmers drained jaw-dropping amounts of water from Minnesota aquifers in 2021 Sep 14, 2023

Drought and the nation’s hunger for mouth-watering french fries led large farms to pump significantly more groundwater than they’re allowed.

Some yellow school buses are turning green this school year Sep 07, 2023

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is expanding its electric school bus program using three million dollars from the state’s settlement with Volkswagen over exaggerated fuel efficiency claims.

This round of funding will cover the costs for eight more school buses and there will be future rounds in the near future. In addition, the Minnesota Department of Commerce and the Environmental Protection Agency will run separate pools of funding for electric school buses.

Brian Timerson, who oversees the program for Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, shared more about the opportunities available to switch to electric school buses.

Cargo ship sets sail with 'WindWings' created by Minnesota's Cargill Aug 31, 2023

Minnesota-based Cargill has developed modern sails they’re calling ‘WindWings’ that allow giant cargo ships to harness wind energy.

Last week, the first ever vessel outfitted with the giant 123-foot sails embarked on a test journey from China to Brazil. It’s said the sails could help the ship dramatically slash its fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Andrew Freedman from Axios shared more about the innovation and what it’ll take to decarbonize the marine shipping industry.

Federal commission takes steps to speed up grid interconnection process Aug 24, 2023

For the U.S. to meet its climate goals, we need more clean energy projects — projects that require space on the electrical grid.

The trouble is: there’s a massive backlog. Some wind and solar projects have been waiting for years to be connected to electric grids. Now the Federal Electric Regulatory Commission (FERC) is taking action to speed up the connection process.

Jeff St. John wrote about the changes for Canary Media, a newsletter focused on solutions to the climate crisis.

Montana youths win case against the state for climate change harms Aug 17, 2023

A legal victory this week for 16 young people who sued the state of Montana over their right to a “clean and healthful environment,” as laid out in the state constitution.

The plaintiffs argued that the way Montana greenlights fossil fuel projects violates that right — and the judge agreed. It was a first-of-its-kind trial and a first-of-its-kind win.

So, what’s next?

Amanda Eggert is a reporter with the Montana Free Press and she broke down the ruling for this week’s Climate Cast.

Rulemaking process underway for new environmental justice areas Aug 10, 2023

A rulemaking process is underway by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for a law passed this year aimed at addressing health inequities in disenfranchised communities.

The legislation carves out specific environmental justice areas and it could mean more Minnesota businesses will have to undergo a pollution analysis before getting permits within these regions. Maps sketching out these newly designated areas were released last month. The regions cover all of the Twin Cities as well as large swaths of Rochester and Duluth.

The MPCA has opened a public comments period between July 24 and Oct. 6 as it works to figure out the criteria for determining which businesses will need to carry out a ‘Cumulative Impacts Analysis’.

MinnPost reporter Walker Orenstein spoke with MPR News Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner about the latest developments.

Reducing the carbon footprint of the cannabis industry Aug 03, 2023

Recreational marijuana is now officially legal in Minnesota but this may not be great news for the climate.

A 2021 study found that growing an ounce of marijuana indoors can result in greenhouse gas emissions equal to burning a tank of gas.

So as the cannabis industry continues to expand, how can it reduce its massive carbon footprint?

Ari Seaman is CEO and founder of OG AG TECH as well as COO of C4. He shared a new technology he’s developed to help farms become more sustainable.

How much is climate change fueling intense heat across the world? Jul 27, 2023

The heat is on for Minnesota this week and heat waves are making news across the world.

Hospitals in Phoenix are treating burn patients from sizzling pavement. Tourists in Greece are evacuating fire zones.

How can scientists gauge when heat events are normal and when they’re fueled by climate change?

Climate Central chief meteorologist Bernadette Woods Placky talks about a tool she uses called the Climate Shift Index.

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