New Online Factsheet Details Recent Extreme Weather in Minnesota

Environment Minnesota

Minneapolis, MN—After a summer in which much of Minnesota was hit by extreme weather, Environment Minnesota today released a new online factsheet that shows the extent of recent extreme temperatures, wildfires and heavy downpours in Minnesota.  Scientists have linked some of the increased extreme weather in recent years to global warming, and have warned that we can expect even more extreme weather in the future unless we cut emissions of the carbon pollution fueling global warming.

“These factsheets are a small glimpse into the big problems that extreme weather is causing for Minnesota and the country as a whole,” said Ken Bradley, Program Director with Environment Minnesota  “Given scientists’ warnings that recent trends in extreme weather are linked to global warming, we need to cut dangerous carbon pollution now.”

The Environment Minnesota factsheet uses information from the National Climatic Data Center, the National Interagency Fire Center, and the recent Environment Minnesota Research & Policy Center Report, “When It Rains, It Pours”.  The factsheet was compiled in coordination with Climate Nexus.

The factsheet includes the following information:

• Minnesota has seen 1,660 wildfires burn more than 26,200 acres across the state
• Minnesota experienced a 30% increase in extreme precipitation
• Rochester’s average temperature increased by 6.9 degrees, the warmest it’s been in 93 years

In order to help cut the carbon pollution that is fueling global warming, Environment Minnesota is calling on state and federal decision makers to both clean up the largest sources of carbon pollution like power plants and vehicles, and advance clean energy solutions like wind energy, solar power and energy efficiency.

Environment Minnesota highlighted two initiatives from the Obama administration—carbon pollution and fuel efficiency standards that were recently finalized for cars and light trucks through model year 2025, and the first ever carbon pollution standards for new power plants proposed in March—as critical steps toward meeting the pollution reductions called for by scientists.  Both initiatives enjoy broad public support.  The final carbon pollution and fuel efficiency standards were applauded by environmental groups, national security organizations, consumer groups and the automakers themselves.  And more than 3.1 million Americans have commented in support of the proposed carbon pollution standards for new power plants.    

Click here to view the online fact sheet. 

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Environment Minnesota is a statewide, citizen-based environmental advocacy organization.