Climate Change in Minnesota: An MPR News special report is the start of an ongoing examination of how climate change is affecting every facet of life in Minnesota.
It's undeniable: Minnesota is seeing the effects of a changing climate. We're warmer. More rain falls in bigger storms. All this week, MPR News presents a special report, "Climate Change in Minnesota."
A century of data proves it: Climate changes have arrived in Minnesota. It's warmer on average, especially in winter, and heavier rain falls in bigger storms. Part of our week-long series, "Climate Change in Minnesota."
Minnesota is grappling with ways to cope with more rain and severe storms. As part of a week-long special report, read how some experts are focusing less on stopping the change and more on adapting to it.
Eight years ago, Minnesota leaders were out front in calling for more renewable energy and trying to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Lately, that push has faltered.
Bigger storms are making culverts and other infrastructure inadequate, as Duluth learned in June 2012. Now, cities are taking steps to deal with more rain.
Hundreds of volunteers have been tracking Minnesota weather, and after more than 100 years, their work adds up to a measure of the changing climate.
Confronting more frequent heavy rains, the state's farmers have extended farmland drainage. Higher crop yields is one result. Another: More dirty water is flowing downstream.
Allergy sufferers feel the effects of climate change, getting a double whammy from the mechanism that's making Minnesota warmer and wetter.
Managers of Minnesota's forests know their world is changing. But they disagree on how urgently new species should be introduced and how far they should be moved.
Even as northern Minnesota gradually grows warmer, some scientists are trying to find and preserve "cold spots" to sustain pieces of what defines the north woods.