Climate Cast
269 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 days ago - ★★★★★ - 79 ratingsMPR News meteorologist Paul Huttner with the latest research on our changing climate.
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Episodes
Climate denialism mapped to geography and political affiliation
April 11, 2024 20:31 - 5 minutes - 4.66 MBA 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?
April 04, 2024 21:31 - 4 minutes - 4.11 MBElectric 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
March 28, 2024 18:31 - 4 minutes - 4.38 MBA 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
March 21, 2024 20:31 - 4 minutes - 4.42 MBEarth’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
March 15, 2024 19:38 - 4 minutes - 4.29 MBMore 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 a...
Forecasting a record-breaking winter
March 07, 2024 21:31 - 4 minutes - 4.28 MBMinnesota’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
February 29, 2024 22:31 - 4 minutes - 4.53 MBThe 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
February 22, 2024 23:31 - 4 minutes - 4.09 MBWell-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
February 16, 2024 22:31 - 4 minutes - 4.48 MBLocals 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
February 08, 2024 22:30 - 4 minutes - 3.98 MBMinnesota’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
February 01, 2024 23:11 - 4 minutes - 4.39 MBA 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...
Data confirm trend of warming global temperatures in last ten years
January 25, 2024 21:11 - 5 minutes - 4.64 MBLast 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 sho...
Take a tour of a fully electric and energy efficient home
January 18, 2024 23:53 - 5 minutes - 5.19 MBMinnesota 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...
Northfield's new housing development tackles homelessness, poverty and climate change
January 12, 2024 22:53 - 4 minutes - 4.57 MBA 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
December 21, 2023 23:18 - 5 minutes - 5 MBAnyone 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...
St. John's student reflects on experience at COP28
December 07, 2023 23:18 - 4 minutes - 4.51 MBThe 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
December 07, 2023 23:18 - 4 minutes - 4.54 MBA 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...
U.S. report includes calls for Indigenous leadership and self-determination to fight climate change
November 30, 2023 22:51 - 4 minutes - 4.55 MBThe 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 ...
Minnesota initiative looks to boost production of sustainable aviation fuel
November 16, 2023 22:51 - 4 minutes - 4.14 MB10 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 o...
Groups call for greater federal oversight of insurance industry
November 10, 2023 18:51 - 4 minutes - 4.02 MBInsurance 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
November 02, 2023 22:48 - 4 minutes - 4.43 MBPresident 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
October 26, 2023 22:48 - 4 minutes - 4.44 MBClimate 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
October 19, 2023 20:48 - 4 minutes - 4.47 MBGo 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
October 12, 2023 20:48 - 5 minutes - 4.87 MBMinnesota 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
October 05, 2023 21:48 - 5 minutes - 4.87 MBCongress 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
September 28, 2023 19:48 - 4 minutes - 4.4 MBAn 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
September 21, 2023 21:48 - 4 minutes - 3.98 MBThe 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 Timers...
Farmers drained jaw-dropping amounts of water from Minnesota aquifers in 2021
September 14, 2023 20:20 - 4 minutes - 2.21 MBDrought 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
September 07, 2023 19:48 - 4 minutes - 3.95 MBThe 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 Timers...
Cargo ship sets sail with 'WindWings' created by Minnesota's Cargill
August 31, 2023 21:51 - 4 minutes - 4.29 MBMinnesota-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
August 24, 2023 19:51 - 4 minutes - 4.28 MBFor 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
August 17, 2023 20:01 - 5 minutes - 4.72 MBA 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 Cas...
Rulemaking process underway for new environmental justice areas
August 10, 2023 20:44 - 4 minutes - 4.25 MBA 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 ...
Reducing the carbon footprint of the cannabis industry
August 03, 2023 21:34 - 4 minutes - 4.54 MBRecreational 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?
July 27, 2023 22:08 - 4 minutes - 3.84 MBThe 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.
Planting 'climate-smart' trees from the south to save forests up north
July 20, 2023 20:01 - 4 minutes - 4.5 MBClimate 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.
How to weatherize and super insulate your home
July 13, 2023 20:38 - 4 minutes - 4.22 MBHow 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.
What should students learn about climate change in schools?
June 29, 2023 22:38 - 6 minutes - 5.6 MBAs 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.
A group of young people are suing the state of Montana for their energy policy
June 22, 2023 20:08 - 4 minutes - 4.49 MBA “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.
Some homes are becoming 'uninsurable' due to climate-related risks
June 08, 2023 20:08 - 4 minutes - 4.2 MBEarth’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?
Earth’s oceans are the hottest on record
June 08, 2023 20:01 - 4 minutes - 4.29 MBEarth’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?
Dams are an often overlooked source of emissions
June 01, 2023 20:18 - 4 minutes - 3.99 MBIt’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.
U of M to oversee multi-state effort to help unlock federal funding for climate projects
May 25, 2023 20:18 - 4 minutes - 3.84 MBThe 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.
It's been a smoky week — what's the forecast ahead for air quality and wildfires?
May 18, 2023 20:08 - 4 minutes - 4.25 MBThe 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.
A U of M initiative looks to create climate-informed health care professionals
May 11, 2023 20:08 - 4 minutes - 3.96 MBThe 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.
Clean energy will require more power lines, but who should get to build them?
May 04, 2023 20:08 - 4 minutes - 3.97 MBThe 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.
The city of Minneapolis seeks input on new climate equity plan
April 27, 2023 20:08 - 4 minutes - 4.5 MBThe 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.
Minnesota's solar garden program ranks second in the nation, but some say it could do more
April 15, 2023 22:08 - 4 minutes - 4.59 MBThe 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?
A new battery could soon make 1,000-mile-range EVs a reality
April 15, 2023 22:08 - 3 minutes - 3.21 MBThe 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.
IPCC calls for more urgent action. What's MN's role?
March 30, 2023 20:53 - 4 minutes - 4.18 MBThe 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?