Minnesota seeks to achieve emissions goal

Some states are setting standards for lowering their greenhouse emissions. Minnesota has so far failed to reach targets set for itself 11 years ago for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. But a new study released this week by the McKnight Foundation shows the state can still meet a longer-term goal to reduce emissions by 80 percent from 2005 levels by 2050.

Solar power will help meet emissions objectives

The study follows a report released last month looking at attempts to decarbonize the states in the middle of the country that are part of the same electrical system. It also expands on the findings of a 2016 study on how every sector of Minnesota's economy could reduce carbon emissions to help meet the goals of the 2007 Next Generation Energy Act. McKnight funds MPR News coverage of climate change but has no influence over that coverage. MPR News reports on McKnight-funded projects when they are newsworthy.

Scientists expect better emission results in future

Climate scientists working on behalf of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change created the 80 percent target by mid-century more than a decade ago. This is in response to how much warming the planet can tolerate avoiding the worst effects of climate change, including dangerous heat wave periods and floods. In 2007, Minnesota Republicans and DFLers joined together on the Next Generation Energy Act and adopted a goal to hit the 80 percent reduction by 2050. But so far, Minnesota is not complying. Emissions were supposed to have been reduced 15 percent by 2015. That goal was missed. These are, not requirements required by the EPA, but some people are concerned we're not doing enough.

Pollution comes from many sources

The emissions that contribute to climate change come from a variety of sources, and we've been able to get a handle on some of those emissions better than others. For example, generating electricity is the largest source of carbon emissions, but it happens to be the only area in which we are meeting our goals.

Transportation is the second largest source, and transportation emissions have gone down, but we still rely pretty heavily on gasoline-powered cars and trucks. Agriculture emissions have remained fairly flat, as Minnesota farmers rely heavily on crop fertilizer, livestock, and equipment that burns fuel. Emissions from industry, homes and commercial buildings have gone up with economic growth. But this new study says despite all that, we can still meet our mid-century goal if we focus on electricity and powering more things with electricity.

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