Climate change, industry, parks, air and water quality are issues that are debated in congress, compete for funding and enpassion many Minnesotans.
June 14, 1988 - MPR’s Dan Olson talks with local climatologists about the patterns that led to extreme drought and what might change to break the dry conditions.
July 19, 1988 - MPR’s Mike Mulcahy interviews Jim Zandlo, state climatologist, about the potential reasons behind and forecasting of extreme drought conditions seen in Minnesota.
July 23, 1988 - MPR’s Bob Potter talks with Kathy Heidel, naturalist with the Hennepin County Park Reserve System. They discuss the late summer wildlife and the drought impact. Heidel also answers listener questions.
November 12, 1988 - MPR’s Mark Steil takes a look back at the November 12th, 1933 dust storm that hit South Dakota. Steil presents recollections of those who lived through the event.
November 29, 1988 - MPR’s Stephen Smith profiles those in Meeker County as they endure the extreme drought conditions. This part of the state was one hit hardest by the dry weather in 1988.
December 17, 1988 - MPR’s Kate Smith looks back at the extreme drought that enveloped Minnesota in 1988. Smith speaks with a farmer and climatologist to get their stark take of the weather event.
January 7, 1989 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik reports on the deteriorating conditions around Fargo as a dangerous blizzard set in northwestern Minnesota. Zdechlik notes large amounts of falling snow, wind chills, and road closures.
March 7, 1989 - Dean Abrahamson, professor of public affairs and director of the Global Environmental Policy Project at the Humphrey Institute, discusses the latest developments in the global warming crisis. Topics include CFCs, debate on average temperature rise, climate patterns, and the future consequences. Abrahamson also answers listener questions.
May 6, 1989 - Don Willeke, chairman of the Minnesota State Shade Tree Advisory Committee; and Dr. David French, professor of plant pathology and forestry resources at the University of Minnesota, discuss tree diseases, treatments, and tree planting at the start of Arbor Month. Willeke and French also answer listener questions.
October 25, 1989 - MPR’s Gray Eichten interviews a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources fire expert on grass fire dangers found in the region due to drought conditions.