Minnesota’s climate is changing and the actions of organizations and individuals across the state are contributing to these changes. We can begin planning now to reduce our contributions and avoid the worst impact while also preparing for the changes ahead. Harmful effects of climate change can be seen in communities throughout Minnesota, from our own health and safety to overwhelmed infrastructure, damaged property, dying trees and culturally important native species, and the inability of population centers to cool off overnight. Climate trends identified through monitoring over decades of changes show that Minnesota is becoming warmer and wetter, with more damaging rains and cold weather warming. In addition to these impacts, more extreme heatwaves and extended periods of drought alternating with intense precipitation are expected in the future. Communities contribute to the causes of our changing climate through emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), especially from buildings, transportation, and agriculture. To reach our state’s climate goals, communities need to do even more to reduce this climate pollution. Communities also can increase their resilience through planning projects that help adapt to the current and anticipated impacts of climate change.
