Climate Cast

Minnesota Public Radio

MPR News meteorologist Paul Huttner with the latest research on our changing climate. read less

Our Editor's Take

Meteorologists, like Climate Cast podcast host Paul Huttner, have a unique perspective when it comes to climate change. Since they report about the weather daily, they notice the developments in real time. They can see the subtle differences as well as the extremes in weather more than anyone else.

Huttner, who hosts Climate Cast, started his career as a meteorologist in 1986. When he reported about the Chicago heat wave in 1995, he already saw the horrendous effects of global warming. 739 people died from heat-related deaths that week. Later, Huttner decided to move to Arizona. That's where he witnessed the devastating effects of droughts and wildfires on forestation.

Soon, the host became interested in why the weather was changing. He wanted to explore the ways that humans contribute to climate change. Huttner also wanted to explore how they could prevent it from worsening. Learning from climate scientists like Jonathan Overpeck and Andrew Comrie deepened his understanding. This led to his role as the Minnesota Public Radio News chief meteorologist, where he talked about more than what to wear the next day. He discussed the causes of the weather, research, and solutions.

In 2013, Huttner started his radio show Climate Cast, which he turned into a podcast in 2018. These are short, condensed episodes that follow weather patterns and changes. The host talks about extreme weather events and their results. He brings up the latest statistics and developments in the field. He explores how climate change affects people's health and even the economy. But it's not all grim and catastrophizing. With the help of other climate scientists, Huttner also discusses possible solutions. He brings hope for a better future in the form of renewable energy and green policies. His show talks about the state of Minnesota in particular, but also the world as a whole. New episodes premiere each week.

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CNN chief climate correspondent on finding hope in a world of climate change

CNN chief climate correspondent on finding hope in a world of climate change

“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.

Episodes

CNN chief climate correspondent on finding hope in a world of climate change

CNN chief climate correspondent on finding hope in a world of climate change

“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

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

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

Climate denialism mapped to geography and political affiliation

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?

Red and blue pitches for electric vehicles?

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

New study shows climate change is already affecting food prices

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

Record-breaking ocean temperatures

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

The green energy gridlock at the Capitol

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

Forecasting a record-breaking winter

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

What an unseasonably warm winter will mean for farmers this year

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

Climate scientist Michael Mann wins defamation lawsuit against conservative bloggers

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

Super current El Niño and climate change hit the Galapagos Islands

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

New ‘green bank’ for climate projects set to launch this year

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

Report pushes for more EPA regulations of carbon capture projects

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

Data confirm trend of warming global temperatures in last ten years

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

Take a tour of a fully electric and energy efficient home

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

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

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

Minneapolis looks to fund climate action through minor hike in gas and energy bills

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

St. John's student reflects on experience at COP28

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

U of M scientist advocates for developing countries at global climate summit

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

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

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.