Climate Cast
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MPR News meteorologist Paul Huttner with the latest research on our changing climate.
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1 day ago
The growing climate concern of water vapor
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.
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Sep 21, 2023
United Nations calls for urgent action to protect children's rights
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.
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Sep 14, 2023
Farmers drained jaw-dropping amounts of water from Minnesota aquifers in 2021
Drought and the nation’s hunger for mouth-watering french fries led large farms to pump significantly more groundwater than they’re allowed.
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Sep 7, 2023
Some yellow school buses are turning green this school year
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.
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Aug 31, 2023
Cargo ship sets sail with 'WindWings' created by Minnesota's Cargill
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.
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Aug 24, 2023
Federal commission takes steps to speed up grid interconnection process
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.
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Aug 17, 2023
Montana youths win case against the state for climate change harms
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.
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Aug 10, 2023
Rulemaking process underway for new environmental justice areas
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.
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Aug 3, 2023
Reducing the carbon footprint of the cannabis industry
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.
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Jul 27, 2023
How much is climate change fueling intense heat across the world?
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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Jul 20, 2023
Planting 'climate-smart' trees from the south to save forests up north
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.
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Jul 13, 2023
How to weatherize and super insulate your home
How can your home be a weapon in the fight to reduce climate change?
One of the biggest opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions is weatherizing and super insulating existing homes and buildings.
And lawmakers this year set aside a big chunk of money to help people do just that.
Tina Clarke has super insulated her own homes and helped others do the same. She shared her tips on how to get started.
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Jun 29, 2023
What should students learn about climate change in schools?
As climate science and impacts evolve, how much should students in Minnesota and across the U.S. learn about climate change causes and solutions?
Kristen Poppleton is the senior director of programs climate generation in the Twin Cities, an organization that works with educators and students on climate change education in schools.
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Jun 22, 2023
A group of young people are suing the state of Montana for their energy policy
A “constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment”.
That’s why 16 young people between ages 5 and 22 are suing the state of Montana seeking a transition to a less carbon-intensive energy policy.
The trial has been called historic in Montana and could have implications nationwide on climate litigation.
Amanda Eggert has been following the case for the Montana Free Press and she shared her reporting with Climate Cast.
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Jun 8, 2023
Some homes are becoming 'uninsurable' due to climate-related risks
Earth’s oceans are the hottest on record. That’s the finding from a recent paper in the journal Advances in Atmospheric Sciences. What effects could this have globally and in Minnesota?
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Jun 8, 2023
Earth’s oceans are the hottest on record
Earth’s oceans are the hottest on record. That’s the finding from a recent paper in the journal Advances in Atmospheric Sciences. What effects could this have globally and in Minnesota?
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Jun 1, 2023
Dams are an often overlooked source of emissions
It’s said that water is life and trying to control and store water through massive dam projects has been a way of life for a long time, especially in the western U.S.
But it turns out dams emit greenhouse gas and can have environmental impacts. Just how much do they emit and why are some rivers better off left to flow naturally?
Stephen Hawley, author of Cracked: The Future of Dams in a Hot, Chaotic World, discusses what a world without dams could bring.
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May 25, 2023
U of M to oversee multi-state effort to help unlock federal funding for climate projects
The search is on for an electric vehicle with a 1,000-mile range. And a new dime-sized battery may be a step in that direction.
Mohammad Asadi is a chemical engineer at Illinois Tech who was one of the people behind the discovery. He spoke with Climate Cast host Paul Huttner about the new technology and other potential uses for it.
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May 18, 2023
It's been a smoky week — what's the forecast ahead for air quality and wildfires?
The search is on for an electric vehicle with a 1,000-mile range. And a new dime-sized battery may be a step in that direction.
Mohammad Asadi is a chemical engineer at Illinois Tech who was one of the people behind the discovery. He spoke with Climate Cast host Paul Huttner about the new technology and other potential uses for it.
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May 11, 2023
A U of M initiative looks to create climate-informed health care professionals
The search is on for an electric vehicle with a 1,000-mile range. And a new dime-sized battery may be a step in that direction.
Mohammad Asadi is a chemical engineer at Illinois Tech who was one of the people behind the discovery. He spoke with Climate Cast host Paul Huttner about the new technology and other potential uses for it.
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May 4, 2023
Clean energy will require more power lines, but who should get to build them?
The search is on for an electric vehicle with a 1,000-mile range. And a new dime-sized battery may be a step in that direction.
Mohammad Asadi is a chemical engineer at Illinois Tech who was one of the people behind the discovery. He spoke with Climate Cast host Paul Huttner about the new technology and other potential uses for it.
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Apr 27, 2023
The city of Minneapolis seeks input on new climate equity plan
The search is on for an electric vehicle with a 1,000-mile range. And a new dime-sized battery may be a step in that direction.
Mohammad Asadi is a chemical engineer at Illinois Tech who was one of the people behind the discovery. He spoke with Climate Cast host Paul Huttner about the new technology and other potential uses for it.
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Apr 15, 2023
A new battery could soon make 1,000-mile-range EVs a reality
The search is on for an electric vehicle with a 1,000-mile range. And a new dime-sized battery may be a step in that direction.
Mohammad Asadi is a chemical engineer at Illinois Tech who was one of the people behind the discovery. He spoke with Climate Cast host Paul Huttner about the new technology and other potential uses for it.
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Apr 15, 2023
Minnesota's solar garden program ranks second in the nation, but some say it could do more
The latest United Nations climate report urges that the window of opportunity to prevent catastrophic climate change still exists — but is closing fast. What role do states, including Minnesota, play in keeping that window open?
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Mar 30, 2023
IPCC calls for more urgent action. What's MN's role?
The latest United Nations climate report urges that the window of opportunity to prevent catastrophic climate change still exists — but is closing fast. What role do states, including Minnesota, play in keeping that window open?
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Mar 23, 2023
Climate change could shift maple syrup season
Spring has officially begun, which means maple syrup season is in full swing. But a sugarmaker a the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum says the beginning and end of the season has fluctuated quite a bit as the climate changes.
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Mar 16, 2023
Building with climate change in mind will be crucial in the future
Minnesota’s northern forests are changing rapidly.
Warmer temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns are causing a decline in the growth and survival rates of our trees, particularly among spruce and fir. And with life spans in the decades, the swift changes are creating trouble.
Peter Reich with the University of Michigan has been keeping track of our northern forests and he discussed the future of our forests with Climate Cast host Paul Huttner.
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Mar 10, 2023
Northern forests struggle to adapt to climate change
Minnesota’s northern forests are changing rapidly.
Warmer temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns are causing a decline in the growth and survival rates of our trees, particularly among spruce and fir. And with life spans in the decades, the swift changes are creating trouble.
Peter Reich with the University of Michigan has been keeping track of our northern forests and he discussed the future of our forests with Climate Cast host Paul Huttner.
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Mar 2, 2023
The link between record temps and climate
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed a bill this month requiring 100 percent carbon-free electricity in Minnesota by 2040. The new law requires Minnesota to produce carbon-free energy from sources like nuclear, wind, and solar power.
So, how will Minnesota get to that goal?
Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan discussed the roadmap on Climate Cast this week.
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Feb 23, 2023
EV corridor coming to Minnesota
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed a bill this month requiring 100 percent carbon-free electricity in Minnesota by 2040. The new law requires Minnesota to produce carbon-free energy from sources like nuclear, wind, and solar power.
So, how will Minnesota get to that goal?
Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan discussed the roadmap on Climate Cast this week.
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Feb 17, 2023
Rebroadcast: 10 years of Climate Cast
When MPR News’ Climate Cast debuted in January 2013, it was one of the few regular programs to address how a warming planet could change life as we know it.
That urgency has only grown. In 2023, climate change is one of the leading issues driving political, economical and societal change.
To celebrate Climate Cast’s 10th anniversary, MPR’s chief meteorologist Paul Huttner talked to an elite panel of experts about how climate change has evolved since Climate Cast began.
What does the latest science say about how fast the planet is warming now? What are the biggest climate change impacts here in Minnesota and around the world? How is public opinion adjusting? And how far have climate solutions advanced in the past 10 years?
This is a rebroadcast of the 10th anniversary Climate Cast.
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Katharine Hayhoe is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading climate scientists. Among other things, she is a professor at Texas Tech University and the chief scientist for T…
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Feb 16, 2023
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan on Minnesota's roadmap to carbon-free electricity by 2040
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed a bill this month requiring 100 percent carbon-free electricity in Minnesota by 2040. The new law requires Minnesota to produce carbon-free energy from sources like nuclear, wind, and solar power.
So, how will Minnesota get to that goal?
Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan discussed the roadmap on Climate Cast this week.
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Feb 9, 2023
How to spot and combat climate misinformation and disinformation
The Polar Bear population is plummeting around Canada’s Hudson Bay. The Canadian government study shows there are 27% fewer bears in just the past 5 years.
How much is climate change driving the shift? MPR News Meteorologist Sven Sundgaard paid a visit to see the Hudson Bay bears in Churchill, Manitoba last November.
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Feb 2, 2023
5 fast facts about the lack of ice on Lake Superior this year
The Polar Bear population is plummeting around Canada’s Hudson Bay. The Canadian government study shows there are 27% fewer bears in just the past 5 years.
How much is climate change driving the shift? MPR News Meteorologist Sven Sundgaard paid a visit to see the Hudson Bay bears in Churchill, Manitoba last November.
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Jan 26, 2023
The polar bear capital of the world is losing its bears
The Polar Bear population is plummeting around Canada’s Hudson Bay. The Canadian government study shows there are 27% fewer bears in just the past 5 years.
How much is climate change driving the shift? MPR News Meteorologist Sven Sundgaard paid a visit to see the Hudson Bay bears in Churchill, Manitoba last November.
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Jan 25, 2023
10 climate lessons we’ve learned in 10 years of Climate Cast
When MPR News’ Climate Cast debuted in January 2013, it was one of the few regular programs to address how a warming planet could change life as we know it.
That urgency has only grown. In 2023, climate change is one of the leading issues driving political, economical and societal change.
To celebrate Climate Cast’s 10th anniversary, MPR’s chief meteorologist Paul Huttner talked to an elite panel of experts about how climate change has evolved since Climate Cast began.
What does the latest science say about how fast the planet is warming now? What are the biggest climate change impacts here in Minnesota and around the world? How is public opinion adjusting? And how far have climate solutions advanced in the past 10 years?
Guests:
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Katharine Hayhoe is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading climate scientists. Among other things, she is a professor at Texas Tech University and the chief scientist for The Nature Conservancy.
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Bernadette Woods Placky is an Em…
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Jan 19, 2023
The impacts of climate change on our health — from our bodies to our cells
Some might scoff at the idea that climate change affects all of us, but doctors say it does. It turns out warmer temperatures, wildfire smoke and bad air quality affect our health … right down to our cells!
MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Dr. Rick Woychik and Dr. Gwen Collman from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences on their research into this for Climate Cast.
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Jan 12, 2023
Climate trends and news to keep an eye on in 2023
Last year was a banner year for clean energy with booms in solar and wind energy as well as the signing of the Inflation Reduction Act, the biggest climate legislation ever. What might be in store for 2023?
Dan Gearino of Inside Climate News joined Climate Cast to share his predictions on potential challenges and breakthroughs ahead.
Click play on the audio player above or subscribe to the Climate Cast podcast to hear more.
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Jan 5, 2023
Planning to buy a new electric vehicle? It may be worth it to wait
New tax incentives on electric vehicles kicked in on January 1st, 2023. If you’re in the market for an EV, how can you cash in?
Automotive and energy writer Sean Tucker wrote about it for Kelly Blue Book.
Click play on the audio player above or subscribe to the Climate Cast podcast to hear more.
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Dec 29, 2022
A year-end review of climate stories and news on Climate Cast
A look back at some of the most memorable climate news, science, and solutions from 2022.
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Dec 22, 2022
Towards a green future: the biggest progress in climate solutions across the state
There were ample climate challenges this year. There were also major developments in climate solutions.
MPR News reporters Kirsti Marohn, Dan Kraker, and Dan Gunderson share their top stories from across the state in 2022.
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Dec 15, 2022
A year of climate whiplash: from wet and rainy to flash drought
What are Minnesota’s biggest climate highlights of this year? And where are we headed next?
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Dec 8, 2022
The effects of 'pink snow' and 'glacier blood' on our climate
‘Pink snow’ and ‘glacier blood’? What is it and how does it affect our water supply with climate change?
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Dec 1, 2022
Climate signals from the sparrows in the sky
Birds are sentinel species when it come to our changing climate. And even subtle climate shifts can have outsized impacts.
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Nov 17, 2022
Record low levels of the Mississippi River cause major problems for grain
The Mississippi River reached record lows in the southern U.S. this fall causing major problems for the 60% of U.S. grain harvest that’s typically shipped down America’s largest river.
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Nov 3, 2022
A Minnesota hazelnut with unique climate fighting abilities
The University of Minnesota’s Forever Green Initiative is developing special crops that can improve crop productivity and fight climate change. One of which is a hybrid hazelnut grown regeneratively that’s packed with flavor and good for the environment.
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Oct 27, 2022
Renewable jobs boom continues but how long can it last?
There are now 12.7 million jobs worldwide in renewable energy including 700,000 new jobs in the past year alone. The growth of renewable jobs has been impressive but how long can this boom last?
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Oct 20, 2022
Trees are dying across the state
Forestry and climate experts say Minnesota’s extreme whiplash between soggy years and extreme drought recently is killing our trees.
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Oct 6, 2022
Minnesota joins two newly formed Midwest hydrogen hubs
Hydrogen may be a lesser-known climate-friendly fuel solution — but it’s gaining traction quickly.
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Sep 29, 2022
The potent greenhouse gas we need to talk more about
Carbon dioxide gets most of the climate change headlines but methane has 82 times more warming potential than carbon dioxide over a 20-year timespan.
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Sep 22, 2022
How climate change intensifies extreme weather
The summer of 2022 was marked by floods, droughts, and hurricanes. How did climate change supercharge these events?
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Sep 15, 2022
How a rural renaissance is transforming energy systems
How are small towns building clean energy futures? L. Michelle Moore, author of “Rural Renaissance: Revitalizing America’s Hometowns through Clean Power,” shares examples of how rural towns are taking on the biggest ideas to transform our energy systems.
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Sep 9, 2022
Fair offers chance to learn about climate solutions
Minnesota farmers weren’t just eyeing the latest tractors on display at the state fair this year. Many made their way over to the Eco Building to ask how they can rent their land out to solar developers.
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Sep 2, 2022
Fair offers opportunity to see fresh crop of EVs
Curious about the Ford F150 Lightning or Mustang Mach-E? Head to the Minnesota State Fair to learn more.
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Aug 26, 2022
Small temp change can have big impact on boreal forests
A new study suggests that even small temperature changes can have a big effect on our boreal forests.
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Aug 19, 2022
How climate change aggravates pathogenic diseases
Climate change is worsening more than half of all known human pathogenic diseases -- including those spread by mosquitoes and ticks in Minnesota.
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Aug 11, 2022
28 percent of U.S. power was from renewables in April
Why did renewables do so well in April? And how did Minnesota do? Gregg Mast, executive director of Clean Energy Economy MN joined Climate Cast this week to talk about it.
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Aug 5, 2022
Climate scientists heartened by Senate climate deal
Climate scientist and author Michael Mann tells Climate Cast, that while it stops short of the 50 percent emissions drop we need, the climate deal now poised to pass the Senate will be “the most progress we will have made in addressing the climate crisis — ever — from the standpoint of Congressional action.”
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Jul 29, 2022
MnDOT exploring ways to reduce C02-intensive concrete
The experimental pavement mixes incorporate recycled bottles, fiber and other materials to reduce the proportion of concrete needed. The agency is also looking at whether it can sequester carbon in its pavement.
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Jul 22, 2022
Tour TV legend Don Shelby's ultra-green Excelsior home
From 80-foot wells, to a secret passageway leading to a state-of-the-art geothermal system, to a stone statue signifying the people most at risk from climate change, former WCCO news anchor and climate advocate Don Shelby has built a home meant to inspire others to act.
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