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Climate action in Minnesota

Workers servicing a wind turbine.

Climate change is no longer a far-off possibility. Minnesotans are suffering its devastating effects right now – and it will get worse. We can all be a part of the solution. Addressing climate change presents us with a historic opportunity to strengthen our economy, improve our health, and create a more equitable Minnesota for everyone. 

Aerial view of a combine harvesting corn.

Climate-smart food systems

Minnesota has a strong history of being a leader in our nation’s food economy.  In 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded Minnesota $200 million to reduce climate pollution from our state’s food systems. The climate-smart food systems project will empower farmers, processors, and local communities to build a food system that reduces waste and climate pollution while nourishing Minnesotans statewide.   

Airplane being fueled

Sustainable aviation fuel

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a low-carbon synthetic fuel made from non-petroleum sources that is blended with traditional jet fuel to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from air transportation. The production and use of SAF is the highest-impact near-term strategy for reducing the aviation industry’s contributions to climate change.

Minnesotans have always excelled at transforming necessity into opportunity, and the challenge presented by climate change calls on that innovative spirit more than ever.”
— Katrina Kessler, MPCA commissioner
Climate action framework document cover.

Meeting our goals together

The Climate Action Framework is built on six goals for our state:

  • Clean transportation
  • Climate-smart natural and working lands
  • Resilient communities
  • Clean energy and efficient buildings
  • Healthy lives and communities
  • A clean economy

Together, we can meet these goals and make a better home for future generations of Minnesotans. Learn how you fit into the framework.

50%
reduction
in emissions by 2030
10 years
of prioritized investment
to prepare for climate change
Net-zero
emissions
across Minnesota by 2050
Electric school bus driving into a parking lot.

Progress on climate

Minnesota has made meaningful strides on climate action in recent years thanks to federal and state legislation focused on reducing climate pollution and preparing our communities. Many of these initiatives are based on actions included in the Climate Action Framework. In 2024, the state released a report detailing the progress we’ve made on our Climate Action Framework.

Aerial view of the flooding Blue Earth River eroding away large sections of the river bank around the west end of the Rapidan Dam in Minnesota.

Preparing our communities

In 2023, Minnesota invested over $100 million through the MPCA to upgrade aging infrastructure across the state with climate-smart design to combat flooding and other climate impacts. More than 100 communities have received grants to date — a step toward our goal to have 100% of Minnesota communities engaged in climate resilience planning by 2030.