The new green economy: Building a resilient urban forest
With diminishing public money for urban forestry, carbon offset markets are rising to meet funding gaps. One small nonprofit is leading the way in Minnesota.
Environment
66 posts
'We are rebels': Indigenous women take lead on climate action at COP28
Fredi Ponce Parra, a student at the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University, writes about how Indigenous women made their voices heard at COP28 in Dubai.
Spent nuclear fuel contains 90% of its original energy – so why aren't we recycling it?
Nuclear at a Crossroads, Part VI: Experts say low uranium prices, the high cost of recycling, and fears of proliferation have all factored into the decision.
Political polarization and climate change mitigation at COP28
Kathryn Boyer, a student at the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University, writes about the intersection of her research and the real world from the COP28 conference.
Community Voices ⎸ Finding joy in winter
Project Optimist readers and staff marvel at the beauty of winter.
Community Voices ⎸ Bio·phil·ia: A new grant for our new program on nature, design, and connection to the living world
Thanks to a grant from Arts Midwest, Project Optimist will feature essays, visual art, and design about connecting with the natural world in 2024.
Drawn by Nature: Taking a liking to lichens
While often overlooked, lichen are prevalent in Minnesota, with an estimated 700 to 800 species in the state.
The U.S. is moving away from coal. We toured a central Minnesota plant in transition
It’s the beginning of the end for the coal-fired units at Sherco power plant as the first of three units powers down.
What's made at a wild rice house in northern Minnesota? Food, community, and more
Driving home, I realize the Finland Wild Rice House experience has worked: I have a new relationship with this native grain.