MN350 blog

Shaping the narrative about climate justice throughout Minnesota
Climate change: What to read, watch and listen to (part 2)
Climate change: What to read, watch and listen to (part 2)

We last wrote about our recommendations to read, watch, and listen to back during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it felt like our original list could use a refresh. So once again, we asked our MN350 volunteers and staff for their recommendations. We hope you come away inspired and ready to take… Read more »

The problem with net zero
The problem with net zero

Last month was Climate Week in NYC, and while many are underwhelmed by the ambition, there was a lot to celebrate, including a massive mobilization of climate activists, Biden’s new announcement of 20,000 American Climate Corps, and California’s move to require large companies to report on Scope 3 emissions (the emissions generated by the sale… Read more »

Worker protection stories: Building an equitable Minneapolis
Worker protection stories: Building an equitable Minneapolis

Climate justice encapsulates more than working against climate change. Working toward sustainability must not only be about the environment, but about protecting the people in our community as well. The city of Minneapolis owes its vibrancy to the hard work and dedication of countless individuals who put in the physical labor to build it. Unfortunately,… Read more »

Stories of building energy efficiency for stronger, healthier communities
Stories of building energy efficiency for stronger, healthier communities

Building energy leaks are one of the greatest sources of fossil fuel consumption in the cold Midwest, and sealing and heating upgrades are one of the most in-demand services on residential and commercial buildings. These upgrades, room by room and building by building, are one of the most promising opportunities to cut down on greenhouse… Read more »

Looking back and looking forward: How organizing in 2022 led to wins in 2023
Looking back and looking forward: How organizing in 2022 led to wins in 2023

There is a lot of reason for optimism in 2023 as a climate-concerned majority in the Minnesota House and Senate passed ambitious legislation to reduce carbon emissions and ensure a just transition to clean energy. Earlier this year, we saw our legislators pass 100% Clean Energy — the result of a five-year grassroots campaign —… Read more »

Treaty Education in Action
Treaty Education in Action

For nine weeks in the spring of 2023, we peacefully held space in an 1855 Sugarbush/Treaty Camp while protecting approximately 600 acres of wilderness located in the Buena Vista State Forest in Northern MN. The Buena Vista state forest is owned by the State of Minnesota and was slated for timber sale/bid in spring 2023.… Read more »

Solar stories: Making the future bright
Solar stories: Making the future bright

Solar allows us to access an abundant, renewable resource to generate sustainable energy. It also offers an opportunity to shift our relationship with the Earth in a healthier direction. Bob Blake is the founder and CEO of Solar Bear, a solar installation company in Minneapolis. He had known in his gut that something must be… Read more »

Older Minnesotans say ‘No’ to funding fossil fuels
Older Minnesotans say ‘No’ to funding fossil fuels

Over three hundred and twenty-seven billion metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) have been released into the atmosphere since 1950 from fossil fuels burned in the United States. Those of us who grew up and had our working careers during those years benefitted from the power and the products that burning carbon produced and we… Read more »

Fighting industrial pollution for the health of our communities
Fighting industrial pollution for the health of our communities

All people, no matter the color of their skin, their background, their salary, or where they live, have a right to breathe uncontaminated air. Where I grew up in Munster, Indiana, windy days would carry in air pollution from nearby coal-fired plants. On certain days, the factory emissions would react in the air to cover… Read more »

Help stop the fossil fuel industry by changing your bank
Help stop the fossil fuel industry by changing your bank

Customers are demanding change from their financial institutions, and big banks aren’t listening. So it’s time to stop giving them our business. Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, and Wells Fargo continue to finance the fossil fuel industry that is destroying our climate and our livable planet. Stop the Money Pipeline and Third Act have partnered… Read more »